Quick to germinate and grow, tomato seeds are best sown indoors about six weeks before your average last frost date . (To determine your last frost date, ask a gardening neighbor or contact your Master Gardener program.)
What month do you start tomato seeds?
Start tomatoes indoors in seed-starting trays or recyclable pots, six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and 9, start seeds as early as mid-January ; in USDA zones 3 or 4, wait to start seeds until mid- to late March and early April.
How early should I start tomatoes indoors?
Generally, the time to start your seeds is about 6- 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area , planting the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date.
What month do you start seeds indoors?
As a general rule, most annual vegetables should be sown indoors about six weeks before the last frost in your area .
Do I have to start tomato seeds indoors?
Starting seeds indoors is optional with many vegetables, but tomato seeds need a constant soil temperature of at least 60 degrees, and preferably 80 degrees, to germinate. ... Tomato seeds are typically started “ six to eight weeks before the average date of last frost ,” as the seed packets so ubiquitously state.
How long does it take to grow tomatoes from seed?
Growing tomatoes from seed takes about six to eight weeks from sowing to transplanting. Starting seeds indoors too early results in leggy, overgrown seedlings. I aim to transplant my seedlings into the garden about a week after my last expected spring frost date.
Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?
ANSWER: Soaking your tomato seeds before planting, or letting them sprout on a damp paper towel , can help increase the rate of successful germination, resulting in more healthy plants that make it to your garden. ... To germinate tomato seeds on a paper towel, moisten a single paper towel so that it’s damp but not soaked.
What happens if you plant tomatoes too early indoors?
Seeds sown too early will result in bigger plants which then need to be potted up into bigger containers which quickly take over your seed starting area/house and cost you more money is potting soil, organic fertilizer and pots.
What happens if I plant my tomatoes too early?
Planting too early causes a whole host of problems for tender, young tomato plants. From potential frost and freeze damage, to rot and mold . Allow warmer weather to settle in so that soil temperatures can heat up as well. Don’t rush planting those transplants until the soil has warmed.
What time of day is best to plant tomatoes?
All you need is two to three inches above ground. And always plant in the evening , never in the morning; you want to give your tomatoes time to get acclimated before they experience a full day of burning sun.
What seeds should you not start indoors?
- Root Crops. Root crops simply don’t transplant well. ...
- Squashes. Squashes (squash, zucchini, pumpkins) and cucumbers grow extremely fast and large. ...
- Corn. Corn typically doesn’t transplant well. ...
- Beans. Beans grow quickly as well. ...
- Peas. Peas are similar to beans. ...
- Cucumbers. ...
- Lettuce.
Is it better to start seeds indoors or outdoors?
The Good: Indoor seed starting gives you the most control over your seedlings. You can easily track the germination rate of your seeds, and give them more moisture or more warmth as needed. In a contained environment, seedlings are less prone to pests and diseases.
Is it too late to start seeds indoors?
No, it’s not too late .
You can start seeds year-round. It depends on what you would like to accomplish after planting your seeds. There is short-season gardening, hydroponic growing, indoor gardening, jump-start growing to have huge plants to transplant in spring, etc.
Is it too late to start tomato seeds?
Is it too late to start tomatoes? Definitely not . You can plant tomato seeds anytime in the spring. Many people around here don’t sow them until April, as they are fast germinators and fast growers.
How often should I water tomato seeds?
Water newly planted tomatoes well to make sure soil is moist and ideal for growing. Early in the growing season, watering plants daily in the morning. As temperatures increase, you might need to water tomato plants twice a day . Garden tomatoes typically require 1-2 inches of water a week.
