Mortgage Lifter - Tomato Seeds

Start tomato seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the expected last spring frost. Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed, the soil has warmed, and nighttime temperatures are consistently above about 50°F.

Tomatoes grow best in warm weather. Cold nights can slow growth and flowering, while prolonged heat above about 85°F during the day and 70°F at night may reduce fruit set.

Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in a moist seed-starting mix. Keep the mix warm and evenly moist until seedlings emerge. A heat mat can greatly improve germination speed and uniformity by maintaining the warm soil temperatures tomato seeds prefer, especially in a cool room.

Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light to encourage sturdy, compact growth. Pot seedlings into larger containers as they grow, then harden them off gradually for 7–10 days before planting outdoors.

Space plants about 18–24 inches apart for closely trained or compact varieties and 24–36 inches apart for larger, spreading plants, with enough room for airflow and harvesting.

Choose a site with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Tomato stems can form roots along buried portions, so leggy transplants may be planted several inches deeper than they grew in their containers.

Install cages, stakes, or trellising at planting time. Water deeply at soil level and aim for consistent moisture, especially while plants are flowering and fruit is developing. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce soil from splashing onto lower leaves.

Harvest tomatoes when they have developed the mature color expected for the variety and feel firm with a slight amount of give. Fully colored fruit usually offers the richest flavor, though tomatoes beginning to change color can finish ripening indoors.

Pick regularly and handle ripe fruit gently. Before frost, gather mature green tomatoes and allow them to ripen indoors in a single layer away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate fresh tomatoes unless necessary, since cold temperatures can reduce flavor and texture.