When Should Your Tomato Plants Be Started?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and easy-to-grow vegetables for home gardeners. However, to ensure a bountiful harvest, you need to know when to start your tomato seeds, as well as when to transplant them outdoors. Here’s what you need to know:

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting your tomato seeds indoors is the best way to begin your tomato-growing experience. It allows you to control the environment, protect your seedlings from disease and pests, and start early enough to enjoy a longer growing season.

Typically, tomato seeds should be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last anticipated frost in your area. If you live in a warmer climate where there is no last frost date, then start your tomato seeds six to eight weeks prior to transplanting them outside.

Transplanting Tomatoes

Once your tomato seedlings have grown to a height of 3-4 inches and have developed their first set of true leaves, it is time to transplant them into larger containers or into the ground outside.

In most regions, it is best to wait until after the last frost date to transplant your tomato seedlings into the ground. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F (15.6°C) and nighttime temperatures should be at least 50°F (10°C).

Choosing the Right Time to Harvest

Knowing when to harvest your tomatoes is equally important as knowing when to plant them. Tomatoes typically require 80-100 days to mature, depending on the variety.

You will know that your tomatoes are ready to be harvested when they have reached their full size and have developed their mature color. Do not wait until they are completely ripe, as they will continue to ripen after being picked. Instead, harvest your tomatoes when they are firm and fully colored, then allow them to ripen at room temperature.

Conclusion

Starting and growing your own tomatoes is a fun and rewarding experience. By knowing when to start your tomato seeds, when to transplant them, and when to harvest them, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown tomatoes.