It's not too early

                      

Starting tomatoes indoors from seed is one of the most rewarding ways to kick off the gardening season. There’s something special about watching tiny sprouts grow into strong, productive plants that will eventually fill your kitchen with fresh, homegrown flavor.

Why Start Tomatoes Indoors?

Tomatoes need a long, warm growing season. In many areas, especially with unpredictable spring weather, starting seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost gives plants a strong head start. By the time outdoor conditions are right, your seedlings are sturdy and ready to thrive.

Choosing Your Seeds:

Whether you love classic slicers, sweet cherry tomatoes, or rich heirloom varieties, starting from seed opens up far more options than what you’ll find at most garden centers. Look for varieties suited to your climate and growing space—determinate types for containers and smaller gardens, indeterminate types for larger spaces and extended harvests. I often use seeds from tomatoes from previous years harvest.

Planting the Seeds:

Use a quality seed-starting mix (not regular garden soil) and clean containers with drainage holes. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep, lightly cover with soil, and mist with water. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Tomato seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70–80°F. A heat mat can help speed up sprouting, but once seedlings emerge, remove the bottom heat.

Light Is Everything:

Strong light is crucial. Place seedlings under grow lights for 14–16 hours per day, keeping the lights just a few inches above the plants. Without enough light, seedlings become “leggy” — tall, thin, and weak. A bright south-facing window can help, but supplemental lighting usually produces sturdier plants.

Potting Up and Strengthening:

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Bury the stem deeper each time you pot up — tomatoes form roots along buried stems, resulting in stronger plants.

Before moving them outdoors, harden off your plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

The Payoff:

                            

Starting tomatoes indoors takes a little effort, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll enjoy healthier plants, earlier harvests, and the satisfaction of growing your garden from the very beginning.

Few things taste better than that first sun-warmed tomato picked straight from your own vine. 

                                               Thanks for looking....