Growing Tomato Plants From Seed

Growing tomato plants from seed is one of the most magical things a gardener can do. It's hard to imagine those tiny little seedlings turning into robust, fruitful tomato plants, but it happens! Growing tomatoes from seed gives you a jump on the season, and opens up a world of tomato varieties not available at your local garden center. You can comb the seed catalogs, both in print and online, for varieties that are best suited to your area and are most appealing to you personally.

So you've got yourself some seeds...now what?

Tomato seed germinates best when soil temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees. Those soil temps aren't reached in your garden until late spring or early summer. When growing tomato plants, you can get a jump on the season, by starting the seeds indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse or cold frame with bottom heat to maintain the preferred temperature.

Plant the seed 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. That is the soonest you can move the plants to the garden.

Here is a flat of tomato starts (above left) sitting on a hot pad in my greenhouse. Next, some of the same plants growing in the greenhouse after transplanting. Finally, there are a few plants ready for planting out six weeks later.

Seeds are best started in small containers, and they can be made from any material. I like to see your kind reusing materials like yogurt or milk containers to grow seeds, if you have them. Otherwise, seed starting supplies are available online or at your garden center. Plant your seeds about 1/8 of an inch deep.

Pick out a good starting soil that's organic, and hearty enough to give your seedlings the nutrients they need. Homemade compost , using scraps from your yard, or kitchen waste can also help your plants thrive. Here are some of my soil recipes.

I like to cover my seedlings for a few days after planting them to keep the soil from drying out. A piece of cheese cloth, or plastic wrap with holes poked in it is perfect for this. It keeps your little ones safe, and moist. You don't need to worry about sunlight until you see green – the most important thing is to keep them in a stable temperature, with loads to drink.

As soon as your seeds sprout, place them in on a sunny windowsill, where they can catch some rays. I always love to watch that first bit of green poke out of the dirt, and often enough I'm so excited I could dance (not that it takes much to get me to do a jig or two – gnomes love to dance). If it's still chilly where you are, move your plants to the table to avoid gusty drafts, that can cause them to wilt.

A New Way To Start Plants Indoors

AeroGarden has added a seed starting accessory to their line, and we are now using it for growing tomato plants and other veggies from seed that are later moved to the garden. These units handle the light, heat, watering and nutrients, making seed germination idiot proof. We are so pleased with the results, we thought they deserved a plug.

Time To Transplant

When you feel that your seedlings are ready to brave the elements, slowly get them acclaimed to life in the real world; put them outside for a few hours each day, then longer until they have “hardened off” for about a week. You don't just want to throw them into the ground and hope for the best after all! After hardening the plants for a week, they are ready to go in the ground.

Growing Tomato Plants Out In Your Garden

As soon as they're in the ground apply a healthy compost, to give them a vitamin boost. You'll want to water your newly planted seedlings at the root, so it can begin to become attached; literally, to it's new home!

That’s all there is to growing tomato plants from seed.

Happy gardening,

Geefrank

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