🍅 TomatoVarieties

Starting Tomatoes from Seed

Starting tomatoes from seed opens up hundreds of varieties unavailable as transplants. It's easier than most people think.

When to Start

6-8 weeks before last frost date. For most of the US, this means February-March.

Equipment Needed

  • Seed starting mix (not potting soil)
  • Trays or small pots
  • Heat mat (75-85°F for germination)
  • Grow lights or bright window
  • Humidity dome

Process

  1. Fill cells with moist seed starting mix
  2. Plant 2 seeds per cell, 1/4 inch deep
  3. Cover with dome and place on heat mat
  4. Seeds germinate in 5-10 days
  5. Remove dome after germination, add light
  6. Thin to one seedling per cell
  7. Transplant up when roots fill cells
  8. Harden off outdoors for 1 week before planting