When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Germinating any plant right from its seed is totally an amazing process to witness. You don't get to see that everyday, unless you have an indoor farm of your own in your house. So if you wish to keep one in your house, think about it, what would that plant be? Would it be cherry tomatoes, black krim, amish paste or yellow brandywine? Honestly, I can't speak much for others, but yes if you ask me about the ways to plant that regular red and yellow pulpy tomatoes, I guess I can help you with that! Tomato as a fruit is a warm climate crop and are known to grow excellent in quality during the summers. But the question is how does one acquire all the knowledge of tomato seed germination and other farming tips without prior experience or sight? Well, it's no big deal, trust me! Before we move ahead with this article, note that the best time to start tomato seeds indoors is late winter. Because at night when the temperature touches a good 55 degrees Fahrenheit, that's the time when the seedlings begin to transplant to an outdoor garden.

The Right Time and Ways to Sow Tomato Seeds

In the process of knowing how to start seeds indoors, remember nothing changes gravely. Water, Light, Seeds, Soil and Food are the same basic constituents needed for indoor cultivation just the same way they are needed for outdoors. Moreover, if you reside in a colder region, start tomatoes from seed in your indoors just about 6-8 weeks before the final frost. And place your plant in the outdoors about 2-3 weeks just after the final frost date. The yield will turn out to be the sweetest of all the remaining lots thereafter.

Secondly, consider the soil's temperament too. The soil should be at a constant temperature of 50°F-55°F on an average. Considering the cold climate you reside in, the process of sowing seeds initially in the indoors and then moving them outside after a certain period continues for a while.

Starting Tomato from Seeds Indoors

This is the most frequently asked question and perhaps, I thought of it too, when I started writing this write up as to, how long does it take for a tomato plant to grow up in its suitable season? Well, you will know that on your way down. So keep that planting spirit and excitement up to learn some basic tips to grow tomato plants.

Get Fresh Tomato Seeds
First things first, look out for a commercial place or a resource who trades good quality seeds. Avoid buying seeds which are more than 3-4 years old, because the older they are, their rate of germination reduces. Secondly, decide the type of tomatoes you wish to plant in your indoors. There are a lot of tomato varieties, all the way from cherry tomatoes to brandywine tomato to big boy hybrid ones. All of 'em taste different and savvy. Once you decide all of these things move on to know the next tip.

Select the Containers
Containers aren't a big issue, as long as the tomatoes that are due to grow are healthy and sweet. But for that the basic requirement of a container must supply good warmth, moisture and should have a proper drainage. Also try acquiring a container that measures 3'' deep (if possible). Once the seeds are planted and the plant attains an initial growth, the seedlings will have to be planted into different large containers.
Note: if you are using any used containers, make sure you sterilize them with a 90% water and 10% bleaching solution.

Seed Starting Mix
Use an authentic seed starting kit for tomato seeds, because an ordinary garden soil tends to breed organisms and germs, which sure is not a good sign. A seed starting mix is a kit having a mixture of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite and contain no high fertilizers to create extra problems. Utilizing method is pretty simple. Blend this mix with warm water and leave it overnight for the mixture to set well. Later in the morning damp it into the soil of the baby tomato plant.

Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds deep inside, about 1/4" or 1/8'' in the moistened seed starting mix. Dab the soil neatly with your hands to make sure there is thorough contact with the mixture. If you are thinking of planting seeds close to one another, there is no harm in doing that either. (Anyway the seeds will be transplanted to bigger containers after the germination process begins). Initially, cover the container with a sheet of plastic to prevent extreme heat and moisture. Keep a small opening as much as the air can circulate through it but not dry the mixture.

Period of Germination
The fact of germinating tomato seeds is, no light is actually required during this process. But even if you place the container under sunlight there is no harm. Just avoid placing it under very high temperatures. The germination period is 5-10 days. Wait for the first seedlings to emerge, and as they do, make sure they receive enough of sunlight to grow healthily thereafter.

Transplanting Tomato Plants to Larger Containers
Just when you see that your tomato plants have developed a second set of leaves, move them to deeper containers so that they catch roots properly without any constriction. If the root system of a young growing plant is right, the plant turns out to be thoroughly healthy. When you use new containers, fill the cast with soil and make a deep hole in the center to bury the tomato plant and its set of true leaves. Pat the soil back properly.

I absolutely felt the entire process mesmerizing!! Well, practically the story doesn't conclude here. Remember to continue watering your well-grown tomato plant regularly. Change its soil and medium conditions timely. Adapt it to different lighting environment time and again. Because someday, the plant finally needs to adapt to outdoor conditions as well.