Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Friday, April 15, 2016

Too Early for Tomatoes

Good morning gardeners,

Brrr a chill is in the air today and yesterday morning. Despite the 80 degree temperatures a few days in April, it is still too early to plant your tomatoes. We love tomatoes, so eager for tomatoes! Tomatoes are the number one favorite garden plant in the United States. That is a fact. Tomatoes are the gateway drug to all kinds of other gardening, that is also mostly a fact.

Here in Portland we plant tomatoes when night temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees. That is typically anywhere between May 15 and June 1st depending on the year. We have yet to see any night temperatures even reach 55 degrees. Please remember this as the temperatures begin to rise again on Sunday and nurseries begin filling up with tomato plants. Just say no!

The past 2 mornings I've used the heat at home and in my car, I'm wearing a scarf & light coat to work, and craving hot cocoa after being out in the chilly storm weather. These are all indicators it is not tomato planting weather. Stick to planting your cool season crops and you are guaranteed success. Venture into tomato planting too soon you will risk stressed, stunted, and dead plants.

Now I'm going to curl back up on my sofa under the blanket with a steaming cup of tea and a good gardening magazine.

Happy Gardening,
Jolie

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