Use this step-by-step guide to start tomato seeds indoors so they’ll be ready for transplanting in the spring.
The earlier you get yourhomegrown tomatoesgoing, the sooner you’ll be enjoying fresh tomatoes.
This guide includes everything you better know to successfully start tomato seeds indoors.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
How to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors
Tomato seeds can be sown in individual pots or seed-starting trays.
If you have used your containers before, thoroughly clean and sterilize them first.
Whatever containers you choose to start your tomato seeds in, take these actions:
1.
Fill Containers
Lightly moisten freshseed-starting mixand add it to your containers.
Plant Seeds
Place two to three tomato seeds into each pot or planting cell.
If using a tray, sow the seeds in rows or a grid about 1 inch apart.
Use a pair of tweezers to move them into place on the soil surface.
Cover Seeds
Cover seeds with 1/8 inch of soil (tomato seeds don’t need light to germinate).
Water
Lightly mist the soil with water from a spray bottle to help the seeds settle in.
The other option is to very slowly pour a gentle stream of water onto the soil.
The important thing is to avoid flooding the potting mix and washing the seeds out of place.
Pick a Warm Place
Move the containers to a warm location where they are easy to water.
The kickstart germination, place heating mats below the pots to keep the soil warm.
Cover the pots with humidity domes.
Once your tomato seeds start to germinate, remove the humidity domes and remove the heating mats.
Keep the Soil Moist
Water the seeds lightly every day or two to keep the soil consistently moist.
Either mist them from above orbottom waterthem to avoid disturbing the seeds.
When properly maintained, tomato seeds will germinate in 5-10 days.
Yes, it’s possible for you to.
While most gardeners transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in spring,tomato plants can be grown insideyear-round, too.
In many areas, this coincides with mid- to late May.
