Tomatoes From Seeds
Growing tomatoes from seeds is a rewarding and budget-friendly way to enjoy a plentiful summer harvest. With a little care and the right setup, you can grow delicious, juicy tomatoes straight from a tiny seed. It might take some time and patience, but the taste of a homegrown tomato makes it all worth it.
Here’s everything you need to know to start tomatoes from seeds and grow them into thriving plants ready for your garden.
1. Start With Good Seeds
The first step to growing strong tomato plants is choosing high-quality seeds. Decide whether you want to grow heirloom, hybrid, cherry, beefsteak, or paste tomatoes, depending on your taste and intended use. Heirloom seeds are known for their flavor and diversity, while hybrids are often bred for disease resistance and productivity.
Order seeds from a trusted supplier or pick them up at your local garden center. Check the package for the “days to maturity” and choose varieties that match your growing season.
2. Start Seeds Indoors
Tomatoes need a long growing season, so starting seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date is ideal. You’ll need:
- Seed trays or small pots
- Seed-starting mix (not regular potting soil)
- A spray bottle for watering
- A sunny window or grow lights
Fill your trays with the seed-starting mix, and plant seeds about ¼ inch deep. Water gently using a spray bottle to avoid washing them away. Keep the soil moist and warm—ideally around 70–75°F. Using a seedling heat mat can help maintain ideal temperatures.
Once the seeds germinate (usually within 5–10 days), move them to a bright window or under grow lights for 12–16 hours per day. Rotate trays regularly to prevent seedlings from leaning toward the light.
3. Transplanting and Hardening Off
When the seedlings have grown two sets of true leaves and are about 3–4 inches tall, transplant them into slightly larger pots. Bury the stems deeper to encourage strong root development.
Before planting your tomato seedlings outside, they need to be hardened off. This process gradually introduces them to outdoor conditions. Over 7–10 days, place them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time and sunlight exposure daily. Protect them from wind and direct midday sun during the first few days.
4. Planting in the Garden
Once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F, it’s time to move your tomato plants to the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
Plant the seedlings deep—remove lower leaves and bury the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages strong root growth. Space plants 18–36 inches apart, depending on the variety. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases.
Staking or caging your tomatoes early helps keep them off the ground and improves air circulation.
5. Care and Maintenance
Tomatoes love consistent moisture, so water deeply and regularly. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
Pinch off suckers (the little shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to encourage better airflow and bigger fruit.
Final Thoughts
Growing tomatoes from seed may seem intimidating at first, but it’s a deeply satisfying process. Watching your plants grow from tiny sprouts to heavy-laden vines full of ripe, sun-warmed fruit is one of the pure joys of gardening. With care, planning, and a little dirt under your nails, you’ll be harvesting tomatoes all summer long!
