Planting Tomatoes from Seeds: Beginner 101

Growing Tomatoes from Seed: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey of growing your tomatoes from seed? This guide will walk you through the process, from sowing to transplanting, ensuring you’ll have delicious homegrown tomatoes in no time.

Timing is Everything

Start your tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. To know when this is, research when the last frost date is for your growing area, and back up about 7 weeks to start your seeds indoors. For example, if your last frost date is April 15th then you should start your seeds indoors between February 18 – 25. From the time of planting the seed, tomatoes take roughly 90-110 days to grow and finish fruit. So if you start your seeds indoors, you can expect to pick tomatoes around June 8.

Carefully planning your seed start date ensures your seedlings will be ready for transplanting when the weather warms up and you will be enjoying tomatoes in early June.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, collect the following:

• High-quality seed starting mix
• Clean containers with drainage holes
• Tomato seeds of your choice
• Labels
• Spray bottle or watering can
• Grow lights or a sunny window

Sowing the Seeds

1. Fill your containers with moistened seed starting mix, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top
2. Plant 2-3 seeds per cell or container, 1/4 inch deep
3. Gently cover the seeds with soil and mist the surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Label your containers with the variety and date sown
5. Cover the containers with plastic wrap or a clear dome to retain moisture

Germination and Early Care

Place your seed trays in a warm location (75-85°F) for optimal germination

Once seedlings emerge, usually within 7-10 days, remove the cover and move them to a bright spot or under grow lights.

Thinning and Transplanting

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell by snipping off the weaker seedlings at soil level

As they grow, transplant them into larger containers if needed.

Preparing for the Garden

About a week before transplanting outdoors, begin hardening off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions

Planting in the Garden

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil.
2. Dig deep holes and mix in some compost and slow-release fertilizer.
3. Remove the lower leaves from your seedlings and plant them deeply, burying the stem up to the lowest remaining leaves
4. Water thoroughly and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

Ongoing Care

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Support your plants with stakes or cages as they grow.
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing issues promptly.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying juicy, homegrown tomatoes. Remember, gardening is a learning process, so don’t be discouraged if you face challenges. With patience and care, you’ll soon be harvesting your own delicious tomatoes straight from the vine.