When to Plant Tomato Starts in Seattle

Tomatoes are a popular crop for Seattle gardeners, but planting tomato starts too early or too late can result in less productive plants and lower yields. Understanding when to plant tomato starts is essential to ensure your garden is successful, and your tomatoes are healthy and delicious. In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to plant tomato starts in Seattle, as well as tips for increasing your yield and ensuring a healthy, productive garden.

When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

The first step in planting tomatoes in Seattle is to start your tomato seeds indoors. You should start your seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before you plan to plant them outside. This typically means starting your seeds in mid-March or early April. Starting your seeds indoors allows you to get a head start on the growing season and increases your chances of a successful crop.

When to Transplant Tomato Seedlings

Once your tomato seedlings have grown to be about six inches tall and have developed their first set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted outside. In Seattle, the best time to transplant your tomato seedlings is in late April or early May. At this time, the risk of frost has passed, and the weather is warm enough to support the growth of tomato plants.

How to Ensure a Healthy Tomato Crop

Planting your tomato starts at the right time is crucial for a productive crop, but taking care of your plants is equally important. Here are some tips for ensuring a healthy tomato crop in Seattle:

Provide Adequate Water: Tomatoes require consistent moisture to produce fruit. Ensure your plants receive at least one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or watering.

Fertilize Regularly: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks to promote healthy plant growth.

Prune Your Plants: Pruning your tomato plants can increase yield and promote healthy plant growth. Remove any suckers that form in the crotch joints of the plant, as well as any dead or damaged branches.

Protect Your Plants: Seattle is known for its rainy climate, which can sometimes lead to plant diseases such as blight. Protect your plants by ensuring they have adequate airflow and spacing and by removing any diseased leaves or fruit immediately.

Conclusion

By following these tips and planting your tomato starts at the right time, you can ensure a healthy, productive crop in Seattle. Remember to start your tomato seeds indoors in mid-March or early April, transplant your seedlings outside in late April or early May, and take care of your plants by providing adequate water, fertilizing regularly, pruning, and protecting them from disease. With a little bit of effort and attention to detail, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes all season long!