speedy summary
develop flavorful , naughty tomato plant from seed is a rewarding experience . By planting tomato seeds immediately into the garden , you could skim the bother of originate seeds indoors and give your plants ahead starton the grow time of year . Here ’s acomprehensive guideto help you get the most out of your direct - sow efforts :
Choosing the Right Seeds
take eminent - quality tomato seed is crucial for achiever . Choose variety that are well - suited to yourgrowing zoneand the type of soil you have . Consider disease ohmic resistance , fruit sizing , and due date clip when make your selection .
Preparing the Soil
tomato plant thrive in well - drained , fertile soil . Amend your garden seam with organic matter such as compost or manure to meliorate soil bodily structure andnutrient content . The idealistic pH range for tomatoes is between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Timing
The best fourth dimension toplant tomato seeds directlyinto the garden varies depend on your localization . In general , it ’s best to hold back until thesoil temperaturehas warmed to at least 55 ° F ( 13 ° C ) . you’re able to crack the dirt temperature using asoil thermometeror by finger the dirt with your paw .
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant tomato seeds about 1/4inch deepand space them 24 - 36 in aside . This will give the plants enough elbow room to grow and prevent overcrowding .
Watering
Water the seeds soundly after planting . Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Overwatering can lead to damp - off , afungal diseasethat can kill seedlings .
Mulching
Mulching aroundtomato plant helpstoretain moisture , suppress green goddess , and determine stain temperature . habituate organic materials such as husk , shredded leave of absence , or compost as mulch .
Fertilizing
Fertilize tomato plant on a regular basis with a balanced plant food . Avoid overfertilizing , as it can run to unreasonable foliage growth and reduce fruit product .
Staking or Caging
Astomato plants grow , they will need livelihood to forestall them from falling over . Stake or cage the plants to keep them just and protect the fruit from the land .
Harvesting
tomato plant are ready to harvest when they are to the full right and have adeep cherry-red coloring . harvest home Lycopersicon esculentum by gently twisting them off the vine . Handle them with care to avoid wound .
Troubleshooting
Seedlings not germinating : arrest thesoil temperatureandmoisture floor . Seeds may not germinate if the grime is too moth-eaten or too crocked . Damping - off : foreclose tone down - off byavoiding overwateringand using a unfertile cum pop out premix . Blossom end guff : Blossom end rot is acalcium deficiencythat can cause the bottom of the yield to rot . Prevent it by ensuring the soil hasadequate calciumand watering regularly . erythema solare : Protect tomato plantsfrom erythema solare byproviding shadeduring thehottest partof the day .
The Joy of Homegrown Tomatoes
Growing Lycopersicon esculentum from seed is arewarding experiencethat take into account you to enjoy the invigorated , most flavorful tomatoes possible . By following these round-eyed whole tone , you cansuccessfully plant tomato plant seeds directlyinto the garden and work a big harvest time of fat , ripe tomatoes .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How late should I plant tomato plant seeds?A : Plant tomato seedsabout 1/4 inch mysterious . Q : How far apart should I space tomato plants?A : Space tomato plants24 - 36 inches aside . Q : How often should I water tomato plant plants?A : Water tomato plants on a regular basis , specially during hot , ironic weather . head off overwatering . Q : When should I fecundate tomato plants?A : Fertilize tomato plantsevery few weeks with a balanced fertilizer . Q : How can I prevent peak death rot?A : Prevent blossom last rotby ascertain the soil hasadequate calciumand watering on a regular basis .