How long in advance do u have to get tomato plants started?

Try this site: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/seed-planting-schedule-calculator.html

I hope it helps!

I usually like to get mine started before now, but after the threat of frost or hail storms is gone...we had a hail storm just yesterday here in Spokane. The information regarding days until fruit should be available for each variety, so depending on how long your summer/early fall last, that should give you a ball park to work back from.

I believe they say to start 6-8 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors.

Thank you

I started mine about a month ago, and they are still very small. I do think 4 - 6 weeks is right. So I'm buying one larger plant, and it will fruit first. Then the ones I started from seed will fruit later, so I'll get to enjoy tomatoes for a long period of time!