When to Plant Tomatoes in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from May 6 – May 20 in Nashua to May 30 – Jun 13 in Berlin. In Manchester, it's May 7 – May 21. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 29 in Nashua, May 23 in Berlin), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in New Hampshire by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 4b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Claremont | 5b | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Concord | 5b | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Dover | 6a | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Franklin | 5b | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Keene | 5b | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Laconia | 5b | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Lebanon | 5a | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Manchester | 6a | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Nashua | 6a | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Portsmouth | 6a | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Rochester | 6a | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Somersworth | 6a | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in New Hampshire, or the general guide to when to plant tomatoes.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.