Do I Have To Start Tomato Seeds Indoors?

Starting seeds indoors is optional with many vegetables, but tomato seeds need a constant soil temperature of at least 60 degrees, and preferably 80 degrees, to germinate.

Can tomato seeds be started outside?

So, can you plant tomato seeds directly in the ground? You can plant tomato seeds directly in the ground if you live in a warm climate with a long growing season. For colder climates, you should start tomato seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings outdoors later.

When should I start my tomato plants indoors?

The best way to get a head start on growing tomatoes is to start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date in your region. Whether you’re growing cherry tomatoes or hot peppers, visit your local garden center to pick up supplies and seeds.

Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?

ANSWER: Soaking your tomato seeds before planting, or letting them sprout on a damp paper towel, can help increase the rate of successful germination, resulting in more healthy plants that make it to your garden.

What is the best month to plant tomatoes?

Tomatoes are warm weather plants which need plenty of sun to thrive and grow best at temperatures between 70 and 75°F (21 and 24°C). Seeds are best sown under cover in March and April ready for harvesting from July to September.

Is it too late to start tomato seeds indoors?

Is it too late to start tomatoes? Definitely not. You can plant tomato seeds anytime in the spring.

How long does it take to grow tomatoes from seed?

Tomatoes take 60 days to more than 100 days to harvest, depending on the variety (see more about varieties below). Due to their relatively long growing season requirements (and late planting date), most gardeners plant small “starter plants” or transplants instead of seeds after the weather has warmed up in spring.

How many tomato seeds are in one hole?

How many tomato seeds should I plant per hole? It’s ideal to plant two seeds per hole, the extra seed will work as an insurance when the other seeds fails to sprout.

Can you start tomato seeds in egg cartons?

You can take those seeds or try some other vegetable or fruit seeds to start in an egg carton seed starter. I like to use tomatoes because they’re easy to grow and don’t take up too much space in the garden.

How do I make tomato seeds germinate faster?

To germinate tomato seeds on a paper towel, wet the paper towel until it is damp (not soaking wet). Then, lay out the tomato seeds so that they are separated (not touching). Be sure to keep the paper towel and seeds in a warm place, to encourage faster germination and higher germination rates.

Can egg cartons be used to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

How long does it take for tomato seeds to germinate indoors?

5-6 days
Tomato seeds should germinate within 5-6 days if you can keep the soil temperature around 80º F. Peppers take a little longer with a little higher temperature (7-8 days at 85º F). Remember this is soil temperature, not ambient temperature.

What temperature do tomato seeds need to germinate?

65° to 85°F
For example, the optimum temperature range for tomatoes is 65° to 85°F (see previous chart). Within that range, it takes approximately 6 to 8 days before seeds germinate.

Can you put seeds straight into soil?

Growing from seeds indoors is one way of starting your garden. Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results.

Will 2 year old tomato seeds germinate?

Yes! If tomato seeds are appropriately fermented, dried, and stored, they can last up to 10 years with a germination rate of 50%. If used within 4-7 years, the germination rate will be even better.

How many seeds do you need to start a tomato plant?

Plant Your Tomato Seeds
Place 2 or 3 seeds in each container or cell, and use a seed starter mix such as Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix to encourage fast root growth.

Can I plant tomatoes in March?

It’s finally March! March is the perfect time to get those tomato and pepper seeds started indoors so they can be ready for an early spring planting! Also now is a great time to start planting cool weather vegetables that can withstand those last frost days of March and April.

What helps tomatoes grow?

1. More Sun Equals More Fruit. Choose your sunniest garden spot, because tomatoes soak up sunshine just like water.
2. Beef up the Soil.
3. Timing Is Everything.
4. Plant Deeply.
5. Invite Friends to the Party.
6. Water Deeply and Mulch, Mulch, Mulch.
7. Offer a Cup of (Compost) Tea.
8. Pruning is for Suckers.

Can you plant tomatoes 1 foot apart?

“Tomatoes require plenty of room to grow well,” write the UC ANR advisors. They recommend spacing tomato plants two feet or more apart.

Is March too late to start seeds?

Yep, you can start many seeds throughout the spring/summer/fall season! So it’s really never too late to start seeds. It is good to succession sow seeds for radishes, Little Gem lettuce, bunching onions, spinach, cabbages, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, cilantro, and even the fast growing zucchini.

Is April too late to sow tomato seeds?

Tomatoes are easy to grow from seed sown indoors in warm conditions. Sow from late February to mid-March if you’ll be growing your crop in a greenhouse, or from late March to early April if they’ll be outside.