When is the best time to grow tomatoes if growing in a bucket outside? I live in Orange County, CA?

Question

When is the best time to grow tomatoes if growing in a bucket outside? I live in Orange County, CA?

Answer 1

The blooms won't set if the temps are consistently around 95 degrees but otherwise add some fertilizer but not too much as you don't want it to just put out leaves.  If the frost comes you can pull the entire plant out and hang it upside down in the garage and many of the tomatoes will ripen in this state.  If not, fried green tomatoes.

Answer 2

Generally one plants tomatoes after the estimated last frost date.(See link below)

I am a horticulturist and a calculated risk taker. I plant them a month before and if they freeze back, I have enough seedlings to plant again. That being said, you can still plant NOW, and expect to get tomatoes up until the estimated first frost.date which is in November for your area. If you're new at gardening, apply Miracle Gro for tomatoes according to the instructions on the box so you get fast results, but I prefer guano as it contributes less to greenhouse gases.

I went to CalPoly  Pomona, and in a protected area, my tomatoes never died all the way back. When it does freeze harvest all the big ones and fry them in cornmeal. Tasty!.

EDIT: Hi temps in Anaheim average 81-83 for June-August.