How to Plant Early Girl Tomato Seeds

Tomatoes are the ultimate summer crop, and the Early Girl variety is particularly popular among gardeners because of its ability to ripen quickly. If you love gardening and are looking to plant Early Girl tomato seeds, here are some useful tips that can help you grow bountiful and delicious tomatoes:

Choose the Right Location

The first step to successfully grow Early Girl tomatoes is to choose the right location for planting. You need to find a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. Also, make sure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Early Girl tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. If your soil is not ideal, you can amend it with compost or well-aged manure. Avoid planting Early Girl tomatoes in areas with heavy foot traffic or where other nightshades have been grown recently.

Start Seeds Indoors

Early Girl tomatoes are best started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use sterile seed-starting mix and sow one to two seeds per container. Cover the containers with clear plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect, and keep them in a warm, bright location, like a sunny windowsill. Water the seeds regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot. After the seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves, remove the plastic wrap and transplant them to their own container.

Transplant Outdoors

Transplant the Early Girl tomato seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Choose a cloudy day or late afternoon for transplantation to reduce transplant shock. Dig holes slightly deeper than the root ball of the seedlings and plant them at the same depth they were in their container. Water the seedlings thoroughly after planting, and mulch around the plants to help them retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Provide Adequate Care

Early Girl tomato plants require consistent care to grow healthy and strong. Water them regularly, but avoid overhead watering, as this can cause disease. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water the plants at their base. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Also, prune the plants regularly to improve air circulation and prevent diseases, like late blight. You can also stake or cage the plants to support their growth and make picking easier.

Harvest and Enjoy

Early Girl tomato plants typically start producing fruits 50-60 days after transplanting. The fruits ripen quickly, usually in 60-70 days. Harvest the tomatoes when they turn red or pink, and feel slightly soft to the touch. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stem of the tomato. Wash the tomatoes gently in cool water, and enjoy them fresh or cooked. Early Girl tomatoes are great for salads, sauces, and sandwiches, and their high sugar and acid content makes them perfect for canning and preserving.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow Early Girl tomato seeds and enjoy juicy and flavorful tomatoes all season long.