How To Grow Tomatoes At Home (Seed to Plant)
1. Select Tomato Seeds:
Choose tomato seeds of varieties suitable for your climate and garden space.
2. Start Seeds:
Fill small pots or seedling trays with seed starting mix.
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and water gently.
3. Provide Ideal Conditions:
Cover pots or trays with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Place in a warm location or under grow lights (70-80°F or 21-27°C).
4. Care for Seedlings:
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Once seedlings sprout (in about 5-10 days), remove plastic and place in a sunny spot or under grow lights.
5. Transplant Seedlings:
When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant into larger pots or garden beds with well-draining soil.
6. Maintain Plants:
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
Support indeterminate varieties with cages or stakes as they grow.
7. Optional Fertilization:
Use balanced fertilizer as plants establish, following package instructions.
8. Prune and Maintain:
Remove suckers for single stem or prune for bushier growth.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
9. Monitor for Pests and Diseases:
Check regularly for pests like aphids or diseases like blight.
Use organic pest control methods if needed.
10. Harvest Tomatoes:
Harvest ripe tomatoes when fully colored and firm.
Enjoy fresh or use in cooking!