How to start tomato plants from seeds

Starting tomato plants from seeds is a great way to ensure that you have a plentiful supply of fresh, juicy tomatoes throughout the summer. Follow these simple steps and you'll be growing your own delicious tomatoes in no time.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. You'll need containers to sow the seeds in (such as seed trays or pots), a high-quality seed starting mix, seeds, plant markers, and a watering can or spray bottle.

Step 2: Sow the seeds

Fill your containers with seed starting mix, leaving a little bit of space at the top. Make a small hole in the center of each container with your finger or a pencil, about ? inch deep. Drop a few seeds into each hole (2-3 seeds is usually sufficient). Cover the seeds with soil and gently tamp it down.

Step 3: Water the seeds

Using a watering can or spray bottle, water the soil gently so that it is moist but not waterlogged. You don't want to drown the seeds! Keep an eye on the soil moisture level and water as necessary to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.

Step 4: Provide light

Tomato seeds need a lot of light to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings. Place your containers in a warm, bright location such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Keep the temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.

Step 5: Wait for germination

Tomato seeds usually take 5-10 days to germinate, although it can take longer depending on the variety and growing conditions. Be patient and keep an eye on the soil moisture level and light conditions while you wait.

Step 6: Thin the seedlings

Once the tomato seedlings have sprouted, remove any weaker seedlings so that each container contains only one or two strong seedlings. This will give your tomato plants plenty of space to grow and thrive.

Step 7: Transplant to larger containers

After a few weeks, the tomato seedlings will outgrow their initial containers and will need to be transplanted into larger ones. Choose containers that are at least 4-6 inches in diameter and fill them with potting soil or garden soil. Plant your tomato seedlings in the center of each container, burying them up to the first set of leaves.

Step 8: Continue to care for your tomato plants

As your tomato plants grow, they will need regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning to ensure that they are healthy and productive. Follow these basic care instructions and you'll have a bountiful tomato harvest in no time:

Water your tomato plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture level.

Fertilize your tomato plants with a high-quality, balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Prune your tomato plants by removing the suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stems and branches).

Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of pests and disease.

By following these steps, you can start tomato plants from seeds and enjoy a delicious, homegrown tomato harvest all summer long. Happy gardening!