Dreaming of juicy, home-grown tomatoes?
You can grow them yourself, from seeds to harvest! It’s easier than you think.
Follow these 10 simple steps to enjoy delicious tomatoes right from your own garden.
Let’s get started!
1. Choose the Right Seeds
The first step to growing delicious tomatoes is picking the right seeds. Go for varieties that suit your taste and climate.
There are so many out there! Maybe you like the classic Roma or cherry tomatoes for snacking.
Check the packet for info on how they grow best and compare that to your growing conditions.
2. Get the Soil Ready
Tomatoes are picky about their soil. They love it rich and well-drained.
Use potting soil with lots of organic matter or compost. Make sure your soil has a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
Pro tip: Toss in some crushed eggshells for calcium to prevent blossom end rot.
3. Start Seeds Indoors
Start your seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Use seed trays or small pots.
Plant them about a quarter-inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm, around 70-80°F (21-27°C).
You’ll see sprouts in about 7 to 14 days!
4. Give Them Light
Once your seeds sprout, they need plenty of light. Place them under grow lights or near a sunny window.
They need about 14-16 hours of light per day. Leggy plants mean they’re not getting enough light, so move them closer to the source.
5. Transplant Seedlings
When your seedlings have two sets of leaves, it’s time to transplant them into bigger pots. Bury the stems deep; tomatoes love it because they grow roots all along their stems.
This makes for stronger, more resilient plants.
6. Harden Them Off
About a week before you plan to plant them outside, start hardening off your seedlings. Put them outside for a few hours a day, increasing the time they spend outside gradually.
This helps them adjust to outdoor conditions and reduces transplant shock.
7. Plant Outside
Once the danger of frost is gone, you can plant them outside. Choose a sunny spot and space them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Dig holes deep enough to bury two-thirds of the stem. Water them well after planting to help them settle in.
8. Water Regularly
Tomatoes love water but hate being waterlogged. Water them regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist.
Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, frequent watering. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
9. Support the Plants
Your tomato plants will need support as they grow. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to keep them upright.
Tie them gently with garden twine. Good support helps prevent disease, makes harvesting easier, and keeps the fruit off the ground.
10. Harvest Time
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: harvesting your tomatoes! They’re ready when they’re fully colored and slightly firm.
Gently twist and pull the fruit from the vine. Enjoy them fresh, in salads, or cooked in your favorite dishes!