Do not plant tomatoes on extremely clayey soils. Transplants One ounce of tomato seeds will produce approximately 8,000 transplants. If you are buying your tomato transplants, reduce the risk of getting diseased plants by dealing with a reputable grower. South Central March 15 Central April 1 North Central April 5 North April 10 Spacing Space determinate tomato vines 18 to 24 inches in a row for unsupported vines or 14 to 24 inches for staked, with 4 to 5 feet between rows. Space indeterminate vines 30 to 48 inches in a row and 5 to 6 feet between rows.
Space rows for equipment access.
Some growers place two rows about 3 to 4 feet apart and then leave 8 to 10 feet for equipment. Discard weak, spindly tomato plants. Set plants as soon as possible after removal from bed. Do not leave in a bunch. Apply a generous amount of water to the root system.