When to Plant Tomatoes in Ward County, ND
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.
Ward County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 896 feet, Ward County receives approximately 29.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Ward County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Ward County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Tomatoes prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ward County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Tomatoes will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.2" | 3.1" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 2.3" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 2.9" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 3.1" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 2.1" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ward 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 — Ward County, ND
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Ward County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Ward County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after May 13 in Ward 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.
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 Ward 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 Ward County, ND?
Ward County is in Zone 3b 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 Ward County, ND?
Ward County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ward County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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