Sowing seeds gives you the opportunity to for the whole experience from seed to fruit to your plate.
Start sowing tomato seeds indoors a month and a half to two months before you anticipate planting them outside.
“We plant our tomato seeds 68 weeks before the last frost in the spring,” he says.
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Before you purchase seeds, find out if they are a variety that grows well in your region.
Knowing what varieties do well equals a better chance at a healthy plant that produces a bountiful harvest.
But growing tomatoes from seeds is rewarding, allowing you to participate along the whole processfrom seed to harvest.
There are several factors to consider when sowing seeds for a higher success rate and producing hardy plants.
The medium to sow seeds makes a difference.
“Use a good seedstarting mixnot potting soil,” says Key.
“A quality mix should be fine and consistent, without large pine bark chunks.”
Seeds shouldn’t be covered in too much seed-starting mix, either.
“Dont plant too deep; normally, 14 to 12 inch is ideal,” says Key.
He adds perlite to help seeds germinate.
Instead of using a watering can, consider using a spray bottle to mist the soil.
Temperature and humidity are also essential for successful germination.
High temperatures are necessary to encourage germination.
“Keep the seedling tray at 8085F until you see the plants emerge,” says Key.
Consider wrapping the tray for the first day to increase humidity and moisture.
Check to ensure the roots are established.
Before you get ready to transplant, the tomato seedlings need to be hardened off.
What Is The Hardening Off Process?
Seedlings that have started indoors are used to a protected environment.
Begin hardening off the tomato seedlings a couple of weeks before the frost date in your geographical region.
Temperatures at night need to be considered, too.
“The night time temps should be solidly at 55oF or above,” says Van Tassel.
Tomato seedlings that aren’t hardened off can struggle to grow or adapt to the outdoor climate after transplanting.
“Set the tomato plants deepup to the first set of true leaves,” says Key.
Also pay attention to how much air can circulate around the tomato plants.
As they grow, consider pruning them to ensure there’s ample air flow.
Van Tassel prunes her tomatoes throughout the season for better air circulation.
