Plant tomatoes in Mississippi between mid-April and late May for spring crops, or in mid-July through August for fall crops
Mississippi's growing season splits into two windows because of the state's hot summers. Spring planting happens after the last frost date, which falls between April 10 and April 20 depending on your location in the state. Fall planting works because temperatures drop enough in late summer to let tomatoes mature without the intense heat that causes blossom-end rot and fruit cracking during June and July.
The exact date matters because tomatoes planted too early will sit in cold soil and rot before they root, while tomatoes planted too late in spring will hit peak heat before they set fruit. Fall planting avoids that problem entirely — your plants mature as temperatures fall, which actually improves flavor and reduces disease pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Spring tomatoes go in the ground between mid-April and late May, after soil reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the last frost has passed.
- Fall tomatoes plant in mid-July through August so they mature in cooler September and October weather instead of the peak heat.
- Mississippi's last frost date ranges from April 10 in the south to April 20 in the north, so check your specific county rather than using the state average.
- Soil temperature matters more than air temperature — use a soil thermometer to confirm 60 degrees before planting, not just the calendar date.
- Fall crops often produce better-quality fruit because tomatoes mature in declining heat, which reduces splitting and disease.
Spring planting: mid-April through late May
Spring is the traditional tomato season in Mississippi. Plant seedlings (not seeds) outdoors after the last frost date passes and soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In most of Mississippi, this means planting between April 15 and May 15, though the exact window shifts by a week or two depending on whether you are in the Delta, the piney woods, or the coast.
Soil temperature is the real trigger, not the calendar. A soil thermometer costs $10 to $15 and tells you when the ground is actually warm enough. If you plant when soil is still below 55 degrees, roots sit dormant and the plant may rot before it establishes. Wait until soil hits 60 degrees and stays there — usually a week or two after the last frost date.
Spring-planted tomatoes will flower in late May and June, then set fruit in July when heat is already intense. This is why spring crops often struggle with blossom-end rot (a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit) and fruit cracking — the plant is trying to mature during the hottest part of the year. Consistent watering helps, but fall planting sidesteps the problem entirely.
Fall planting: mid-July through August for better results
Fall planting is the better choice for most Mississippi gardeners because it lets tomatoes mature in cooling weather. Plant seedlings in mid-July through August so they flower in late August and September, then set and ripen fruit in October and early November when temperatures are dropping and humidity is lower.
Fall tomatoes produce fewer but higher-quality fruit — less splitting, less blossom-end rot, and fewer fungal diseases because the air is drier. The trade-off is that you have a shorter window to harvest before the first frost, which usually arrives in late October or early November depending on your location. Check your county's average first frost date before you plant; if it comes before November 1, you may not have time for a full crop.
Fall seedlings are harder to find in garden centers because most nurseries focus on spring stock. You may need to start seeds indoors in late May or early June, or order seedlings from online suppliers. Starting seeds yourself takes 6 to 8 weeks, so count backward from your planting date to know when to sow.
Last frost dates by Mississippi region
| Region | Last Frost Date | Planting Window |
|---|---|---|
| North Mississippi (DeSoto, Marshall, Tunica counties) | April 20 | Late April through May 15 |
| Central Mississippi (Madison, Rankin, Hinds counties) | April 15 | Mid-April through May 15 |
| South Mississippi (Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River counties) | April 10 | Mid-April through May 20 |
| All regions (fall crop) | N/A | Mid-July through August 15 |
These dates are averages — frost can arrive a week earlier or later in any given year. The National Weather Service keeps historical frost data for your county; search "[your county] Mississippi frost dates" to find the exact average for your location.
Using your specific county's frost date is more accurate than the state average. A gardener in DeSoto County in the north has a different planting window than one in Harrison County on the coast, even though both are in Mississippi. Local extension offices and the National Weather Service website both publish county-level frost dates.
How to know if soil is ready
A soil thermometer is the only reliable way to know if the ground is warm enough. Stick it 4 inches deep in the spot where you plan to plant, wait 2 minutes, and read the temperature. If it reads below 60 degrees, wait another week and test again.
Air temperature is not the same as soil temperature. A day that reaches 75 degrees in the air may have soil that is still 50 degrees, especially if there was rain or cold nights. Soil warms slowly in spring because it holds moisture and takes time to absorb heat. Fall soil cools faster than air temperature because it loses heat at night.
If you do not have a soil thermometer, the traditional test is to bury your hand 4 inches deep for 10 seconds — if it feels uncomfortably cold, wait longer. This is less precise than a thermometer but better than guessing from the calendar.
Hardening off seedlings before planting
Seedlings started indoors or bought from a nursery are tender and will wilt or die if you plant them directly into full sun and wind. Harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Start by placing them in a shaded, sheltered spot for 2 to 3 hours, then increase sun and wind exposure each day until they can handle a full day outside.
This process toughens the plant's leaves and stems so they do not sunburn or dry out when planted in the garden. Skip hardening off and you may lose half your seedlings in the first week, even if soil and air temperature are perfect. By day 7 or 8, seedlings should sit in full sun for at least 6 hours before you plant them in the ground.
Protecting spring plants from late frost
Even after you plant in mid-April, a frost can still arrive in late April or early May. Keep frost cloth or old blankets nearby so you can cover plants if temperatures drop below 32 degrees overnight. Frost cloth is lightweight and lets light through; a regular blanket works but is heavier and can damage branches if you are not careful.
Water plants the afternoon before a predicted frost — moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Remove covers the next morning once temperatures rise above 40 degrees so plants do not overheat. Leave covers on during the day only if temperatures stay below 50 degrees; otherwise, heat builds up under the cloth and can damage the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in March in Mississippi?
No. Soil is still too cold in March, and frost will kill seedlings. Wait until mid-April at the earliest, and check soil temperature with a thermometer rather than the calendar. Planting too early is the most common reason spring tomatoes fail.
What is the difference between spring and fall tomato crops?
Spring crops mature during hot, humid weather, which causes blossom-end rot, cracking, and disease. Fall crops mature in cooling weather, produce fewer but higher-quality fruit, and have less disease pressure. Fall is the better choice if you have time to start or find seedlings.
Will my fall tomatoes ripen before the first frost?
It depends on your location and the variety. Check your county's average first frost date — if it comes before November 1, plant by mid-July at the latest. Choose early-maturing varieties like 'Early Girl' or 'Stupice' rather than long-season types like 'Brandywine' for fall crops.
Do I need to start seeds indoors or can I direct-sow?
Direct-sowing seeds outdoors takes 6 to 8 weeks before you get a transplant-sized plant, which eats into your growing window. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your planting date, or buy seedlings from a nursery. For fall crops, starting seeds in late May or early June is usually necessary because nurseries do not stock fall seedlings.
What happens if I plant tomatoes too late in spring?
Late-planted spring tomatoes will flower during peak heat in June and July, which causes poor fruit set and blossom-end rot. If you miss the spring window, skip to fall planting instead — you will get better results with less trouble.