When to Plant Tomatoes from Seeds

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are relatively easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest all summer long. While you can purchase tomato seedlings from nurseries, many gardeners prefer to start their tomatoes from seeds. If you are planning to start your tomatoes from seeds, you may be wondering when the best time to plant them is. In this article, we will discuss when to plant tomatoes from seeds.

Factors to Consider

Before you can determine when to plant your tomato seeds, there are a few factors that you need to consider. The first factor is your location. Tomato plants need warm temperatures to germinate, so if you live in a region with a short growing season, you should start your seeds indoors. The second factor is the type of tomato plant you want to grow. Some varieties of tomatoes take longer to mature than others, so you will need to adjust your planting time accordingly.

Indoor Seed Starting

If you live in a region with a short growing season or you want to get a head start on your garden, you can start your tomato seeds indoors. Generally, you should start your seeds six to eight weeks before your last frost date. To start your seeds, fill a seed tray with a high-quality potting mix and plant one or two seeds in each cell. Keep the soil moist and warm, and your seeds should sprout in about a week.

Direct Sowing

If you live in a region with a longer growing season, you can also plant your tomato seeds directly in the garden. However, you should wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting your seeds. Generally, this means waiting until two weeks after your last frost date. To plant your seeds, create a furrow in the soil about one inch deep and plant the seeds about 18 to 24 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly.

Tips for Success

Whether you start your tomato seeds indoors or outdoors, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your seeds are kept moist, but not too wet. Overly wet soil can cause your seeds to rot. Second, provide plenty of light. If you are starting your seeds indoors, place them under a grow light or in a sunny windowsill. Finally, be patient. Tomato seeds can take up to two weeks to germinate, so don't get frustrated if you don't see sprouts right away.

Conclusion

Now that you know when to plant tomatoes from seeds, you can get started on your garden! Whether you start your seeds indoors or outdoors, with the right care and attention, you can have a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown tomatoes.