Growing Tomatoes From Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Seeds

Several tomato varieties may be easily and cheaply cultivated from seed, so try out different varieties to find your favourite. If you want organic vegetables, look for organically grown seed. Choose a tough tomato type if you are aware that your region is susceptible to certain plant diseases.

Soil

1. Invest in high-quality seed. I use sunflower seeds with black oil. These are the absolute cheapest sorts, while other kinds can also be used. You can buy seeds designed to be used as bird food. Likewise, here is a reliable supplier if seeking for certified organic seeds.

The best medium for seed beginning has absolutely no soil, despite the name "potting soil." Use a sterilized, soil - free mix with the word "seed beginning" on the label. Never use gardening soil, which frequently has poor drainage and could contain pathogens.

Containers

Any container that can hold soil and also has drain vents holes can be used to start seedlings; I've even used egg cartons having holes pierced in the bottoms & waterproof saucer beneath.

Plant the Tomato Seeds

Create a furrow inside the potting soil of 1/4 inch. After that, scatter a couple of seeds into the rut and top them with a light dusting of potting soil. To ensure that the seeds have adequate soil contact, gently pat the mixture down. If the surface isn't damp, you can sprinkle it with water.

Warmth and Light

The optimal conditions for seed germination are warm (70–75 degrees F) rooms; you can hasten germination by using a heat mat to provide bottom heat. When seedlings are actively growing, a cool ambient temperature of about 65 degrees F is ideal for their growth.

Fertilizing

Start fertilising when the second batch of genuine leaves appears. "Seed leaves" refers to the first two leaves, and "real leaves" to the remaining leaves. Use a water-soluble fertiliser that has been blended at 1⁄2 the recommended level once or twice each week.

Repotting

If your tomatoes outgrown their containers before it becomes time to put them outside, you may need to transplant them to larger containers. Avoid letting the plant become "pot-bound," with its roots filling the pot, as this could impede its growth. For detailed directions, see