Red tomatoes

Best Planting Times for Tomatoes in Alaska

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor Planting ( (Tomatoes do not perform well outside in the cooler regions of Alaska.)Indoor Seed StartingApril 1 – April 30
Transplant OutdoorsJune 1 – June 15
Greenhouse PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 1 – March 31
Transplant to GreenhouseMay 1 – May 15

Planting Conditions

Alaska’s unique climate presents challenges and opportunities for growing tomatoes. With a short growing season and cooler temperatures, it’s important to choose the right time and method to ensure a successful crop.

Sun Requirements

Tomatoes require full sun, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In Alaska, where daylight hours can be long during the growing season, ensure your plants receive adequate light to promote strong growth and fruit development.

Starting Tomatoes Indoors

For outdoor planting, start seeds indoors from April 1 to April 30. This allows your plants to get a head start before they are moved outside. Transplant seedlings outdoors between June 1 and June 15, after the danger of frost has passed.

For greenhouse planting, begin seeds indoors from March 1 to March 31. This will give your plants a strong start before they are moved to the greenhouse, where they should be transplanted between May 1 and May 15.

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Useful Tools for Starting Tomatoes Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your tomatoes the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
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Browse Tomato Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
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Greenhouse Growing

Greenhouses provide an optimal environment for growing tomatoes by maintaining consistent temperatures, protecting from harsh weather, and extending the growing season. They allow you to control the growing conditions, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields.

Currently, the 8x10x7.5 FT Greenhouse is priced at $999. It’s a great investment for ensuring your tomatoes thrive all year round.
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Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer plays an essential role in providing tomato plants with the nutrients they need for robust growth and a plentiful harvest.
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Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Alaska:

Any questions on growing tomatoes? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Tomatoes

Direct Sowing in the Soil

In Alaska, direct sowing is less common due to the short growing season. However, if you choose to direct sow, do so from May 15 to June 1. Ensure the soil is well-drained and warmed up to at least 60°F before sowing. Space seeds ½ inch deep and 18-24 inches apart, thinning seedlings as they grow.

Transplanting Tomato Seedlings

When transplanting seedlings outdoors, ensure the soil is warm and well-drained. In areas such as Anchorage, transplant from June 1 to June 15. Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 36-48 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting and use mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilizing:

  • Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage.
  • Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer to support healthy growth and fruit production. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every 4-6 weeks.

Pest and Disease Control:

  • Common pests include aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
  • Prevent diseases by practicing crop rotation and maintaining garden cleanliness. Monitor plants regularly for signs of disease and take action promptly.

Harvesting Tomatoes:

  • Harvest tomatoes when they are firm and have reached their full color. In Alaska, this may mean harvesting a bit earlier than in other states due to the shorter growing season.
  • Pick fruits when they are still firm but fully colored. If needed, ripen harvested tomatoes indoors at room temperature.

BeeJay
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