How to Plant Tomatoes from Fresh Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you want to make salsa, pasta sauce, or enjoy them fresh in a salad, growing your own tomatoes is a great way to ensure you have a steady supply throughout the season. In this article, we’ll show you how to plant tomatoes from fresh tomatoes, so you can enjoy the taste of homegrown tomatoes in your favorite dishes.

Choose the Right Type of Tomato

The first step to planting tomatoes from fresh tomatoes is to choose the right type of tomato. There are many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, but some are better-suited to growing from seeds than others. Look for tomato varieties that are open-pollinated or heirloom, as these will produce seeds that are more likely to produce plants that will produce fruit. You can also use store-bought tomatoes, but be aware that these varieties may not produce plants that are true-to-type.

Save the Seeds

The next step is to save the seeds from your chosen tomato variety. To do this, cut the tomato in half and scoop out the seeds into a bowl. Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any remaining tomato flesh, and then spread them out on a paper towel to dry. Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in an airtight container until you are ready to plant them.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting your tomato seeds, you need to prepare the soil. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Tomatoes prefer well-drained soil, so choose a spot that isn’t prone to water-logging. Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to add nutrients, and use a garden fork to loosen any compacted soil.

Plant the Seeds

Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the tomato seeds. Dig a hole that is about 1/4 inch deep, and plant one or two seeds in each hole. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist but not water-logged, and make sure the seedlings get plenty of sunlight to encourage growth.

Care for Your Tomato Plants

Tomatoes need regular watering to grow properly. This is especially true during the hot summer months. Water your tomato plants deeply once a week, or more often if the soil feels dry to the touch. Once the tomato plants start to grow, you can use a trellis or stake to support them and keep them from falling over. Prune the plants to remove any dead or damaged leaves, and keep an eye out for pests or diseases that may affect your plants.

Harvest Your Tomatoes

Once your tomato plants start to produce fruit, it’s time to start harvesting. Tomatoes are usually ready to harvest when they are firm and fully-colored. To pick the tomatoes, gently twist them off the vine or cut them off with a pair of scissors. Store your harvested tomatoes in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.

By following these simple steps, you can easily grow your own tomatoes from fresh tomatoes. By using open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, you can ensure that your tomato plants produce fruit that is true-to-type, so you can enjoy the taste of homegrown tomatoes all season long.