How to Grow Tomato Seeds

Planting Tomato Seeds

PLANTING SEASON: Warm Season
SOWING METHOD: Start Indoors
LIGHT REQUIREMENT: Full Sun
PLANTING DEPTH: 1/4-1/2 inch
PLANT SPACING: 18 to 36 inches
WATER NEEDS: Average
When to Plant Tomato Seeds

You can start tomatoes indoors or go straight to your garden bed. If starting indoors, plant 4-6 weeks before the last killing frost. Transplanting is best done 1 to 2 weeks after the average date of the last frost for your region. If starting in your garden bed, wait 1-2 weeks after the last killing frost to plant.

Where to Plant Tomato Seeds

If planting directly in your garden, choose area that has plenty of light and well draining soil.

How to Plant Tomato Seeds

Planting in a growing tray for indoor start: Fill each spot with soil leaving a quarter inch at the top. Put 2-3 seeds per container then sprinkle soil on top. Keep soil moist but not soaked. Once plants start forming, more water can be applied. Keep in area that allows for plenty of sunlight and rotate regularly. Directly planting in garden: Plant in rows with 2-3 seeds per section with about 2' separation from next section. Add stakes as needed to keep plants upright.

How to Harvest Tomatoes

When the tomato is 1/2 green and 1/2 pink is when you can start harvesting your tomato. It will continue to ripen once picked. Keep in cool place to allow it to ripen without damaging the fruit or losing flavor or nutrients.

Don't forget to plant Marigolds around your tomatoes!

So why do marigolds and tomatoes grow well together?
Marigolds and tomatoes are good garden buddies with similar growing conditions.
Research studies have indicated that planting marigolds between tomatoes protects the tomato plants from harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil.
Many gardeners believe that the pungent scent of marigolds also discourages a variety of pests such tomato hornworms, whiteflies, thrips, and maybe even rabbits!