When Do You Plant Tomato Seeds Inside?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are easy to grow and care for, and the taste of freshly picked tomatoes is hard to beat. Starting tomato seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, but when should you start planting them?

Timing is Key

Knowing when to plant tomato seeds indoors is all about timing. You want to start the seeds early enough so that they have time to grow into healthy seedlings, but not too early that they outgrow their pots before being transplanted into the garden.

Generally speaking, tomato seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. If you're not sure when the last frost date is, check with your local agricultural extension office or do some research online to find out.

Preparing to Plant

Before planting tomato seeds inside, it's important to prepare the soil and containers. Use a sterile soil mix, which will reduce the likelihood of diseases and pests. Fill containers with soil up to about ? inch from the top and water until the soil is moist but not soaking wet.

Place one seed in the center of each container, about ? to ? inch deep. Cover the seeds with soil and gently press down. Make sure the soil is still moist after planting.

Caring for Tomato Seedlings

Once the tomato seeds have been planted, they'll need proper care to grow into healthy seedlings. Keep the containers in a warm location, with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Use a grow light or place the containers near a sunny window to provide adequate light.

Water the seedlings regularly, making sure not to overwater them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you notice any signs of disease or pests, take action immediately to prevent them from spreading.

Transplanting Tomato Seedlings

After 6-8 weeks of growing indoors, tomato seedlings should be well-established and ready to be transplanted into the garden. Wait until after the last frost date and choose a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden.

Before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of about a week. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day and gradually increase the time they spend outside.

When transplanting, make sure to bury the stem up to the first set of leaves – this will encourage the plant to develop a strong root system. Water the seedlings well after transplanting and continue to water regularly as they grow.

Conclusion

Starting tomato seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. By following these tips for planting, caring for, and transplanting tomato seedlings, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious tomatoes all summer long.