When to Plant Tomatoes in Goshen County, WY
May in the garden — Goshen County, Wyoming
Welcome to May in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Transplant tomatoes outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Direct-sow tomatoes
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 5,820 feet, Goshen County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tomatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Goshen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Goshen County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Tomatoes prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goshen County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.2" | 1.6" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 1.1" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 1.3" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 1.5" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 1.1" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Goshen County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Goshen County, WY
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Oct 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Goshen County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Goshen County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after May 13 in Goshen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Goshen County receives only 16" of rain annually. Tomatoes needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Recommended Tomatoes Varieties for Goshen County
Choose determinate, early-maturing varieties for your short season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Goshen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goshen County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.