Why Start Tomatoes from Seed

Starting tomatoes from seed costs pennies per plant compared to nursery seedlings, plus you can grow unusual varieties unavailable commercially. Success requires understanding seed germination and seedling care.

Timeline

Start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Seedlings need 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size. Planning your region's frost date determines start date.

Essential Steps

Seed Starting Mix

Use sterile seed-starting mix, not garden soil. Mix retains moisture while preventing damping-off disease. Moisten before planting.

Planting

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Maintain 70-75°F temperature for optimal germination (5-10 days typically).

Light

Once sprouted, provide bright light immediately (grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings). Insufficient light creates leggy, weak plants.

Hardening Off

Before transplanting, gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start with 1-2 hours of shade; increase gradually over 7-10 days.

Common Problems

Damping Off - Fungal disease; prevent with proper air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Leggy Seedlings - Insufficient light; move grow lights closer.

Slow Growth - Too cool; increase temperature to 70°F+.

Success Keys

Start with quality seeds. Provide adequate light and warmth. Avoid overwatering. Harden off gradually. This simple process produces stronger transplants than nursery-grown seedlings.