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Are you ready to grow tomatoes from seed? In this post I’ll share all the information you need for growing tomatoes from seed at home. Let’s take this often daunting task and break it down into easy to follow steps and pictures as your go to guide for growing tomatoes. Ready to learn how to grow tomatoes from seed to harvest? Let’s get to it.

How to Grow Tomatoes

The decision to grow tomatoes from seed is a personal one. Many tomato gardeners prefer to simply purchase plants to transplant directly into their yard, garden or containers.

Others are a bit more adventurous and prefer the more hands-on process of growing tomatoes from seed. Of course, this is a much more time-intensive process than simply buying an established plant at the store. However, it is tough to beat the sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing the results of your patient efforts take shape.

Growing tomatoes from seed isn’t too difficult, but it does take a little know how.

how to grow tomatoes from seed pin image of seedlings and transplants

For starters, you have to start with the right kind of seeds. You won’t get great results with hybrid tomato varieties. They just don’t grow true to the parent plant the way a good, old-fashioned heirloom will.

For recommendations on good heirloom varieties to grow from seed, you may want to consult a local gardening professional or poke around on online gardening forums.

I’ve always had the most success from seed to harvest with SunGold Cherry Tomatoes and Black Krim Tomatoes.

So do yourself a favor and start with seeds from your favorite heirloom varieties and follow the steps outlined below. Soon, you’ll be growing the healthiest and most beautiful tomatoes you can imagine.

WHEN TO START GROWING TOMATOES FROM SEED

During the month of February, when the snow is still on the ground, zone 8 gardeners start planting seeds their gardens. I'll share with you how to start your seeds now for a prolific garden season.

You’ll want to start this process indoors roughly 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost in your area.

If you aren’t sure when to start, a quick Google search for “last frost in Zone 5” (or wherever you happen to live) should do the trick. You can also look online to find out when consistent 50 degree Fahrenheit night temperatures will arrive.

Then, just work backwards from that estimated date and sow your seeds 6 to 8 weeks before that time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GROW TOMATOES FROM SEEDS

To get started, you will need sterile seed growing mix.

These vegetables require a heat mat, grow light and mini green house to germinate quickly and grow effectively.

I love this grow light because it’s on a stand and its adjustable, so as the seedlings germinate I can adjust the light as needed.

I use the jiffy green house kit with an added heat mat. The system stays in the basement out of the way and I spritz the seedlings with water when they start to dry.

This set up allows me to start 72 seeds at once. This is enough seedlings for 6 different tomato varieties and a few varieties of peppers. I'll keep one or two plants of each variety for myself and sell the rest when it comes time to plant them in the ground.

By using a heat mat you'll see those seeds sprout in a week instead of a few.

A grow light will help those seedlings grow strong root systems and stalk. Without a light source close, seedlings grow long and weak.

The mini green house helps the seeds germinate quickly. Once you see the plants emerge just remove the light.

After 6 weeks, you'll pot up the seedlings into 3-5″ pots.

HOW TO PLANT TOMATO SEEDS STEP BY STEP

Moisten your containers, and make very shallow rows with a pen or pencil about 1/4 inch deep.

Then, drop the seeds into those furloughs roughly 1/2 inch apart.

With your thumb and forefinger, tenderly pinch together the soil to cover each furlough, placing 1/4 inch of soil over each seed.

Water very gently using a spray bottle and then place these containers in an area which consistently reaches and holds 75 to 80-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures.

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes from Seed to Transplants

As soon as you see the seeds begin to sprout, immediately add a strong light source from either florescent grow bulbs or natural sunlight.

After about a month you will notice the first “true” and identifiable tomato leaves begin to appear. This tells you that it is time to transplant your seedlings to bigger containers. This is known as “pricking out” your seedlings.

With a spoon or fork, scoop out each individual tomato seedling.

Transplant individual seedlings into containers at least 3 to 4 inches in diameter filled with moistened potting mix. Gently water in the seedling after planting.

When spring weather reaches and holds 55-degree temperatures at nights, move your plants out into the sun for a few hours at a time to harden them off.

Gradually increase sunlight exposure daily over a week, until they can sit outside all day.

Before transplanting your seedlings, be sure to check the pH level of your soil to ensure it is not too acidic or alkaline. You’ll want your soil pH to be between 6.0 to 6.8 for tomatoes. Home soil testing kits can be purchased at gardening and home improvement stores, and many major cities offer laboratory testing.

When you are ready to transplant your plants, remove the bottom branches and plant up to just below the bottom leaves to ensure healthy growth and a strong root system.

Add tomato support in the form of cages or stakes and water gently. As your tomato plants grow, simply water soil when dry and enjoy your harvest!

Slowly harden off by,

After the last frost and first warm days in end of May beginning of June the plants are ready for the ground.

A few tips for planting Tomatoes

Dig a hole for the plant, place it on its side and cover up the lowest two leafs using the best hand tools for transplanting. This ensures a strong root system. The plant will be on its side but will quickly grow straight up to the sun.

But wait, before you plant your tomato plant in the hole, add some ground up egg shells to give the roots a boost of calcium.

Protect them at night with a mini green house cover like an empty milk jug or a cloche.

Care for your plants

Provide them with a support system as they grow, a tomato cage or tied stake is usually your best bet.