Easiest Way to Start Tomato Seeds Inside

Purchasing And Preparing For Starting Tomato Seeds

• Choose tomato seeds by looking through mail-order seed catalogs or seed companies on the Internet. Stop by your local garden center; they should be able to make suggestions for varieties that will grow well in your climate and are known for the best taste and production. You may want to try your hand at growing heirloom tomatoes for their unique appearance and variety of colors.

  Check a climate zone chart to determine the best time for starting your tomatoes. Start seeds six to eight weeks before planting. A good rule of thumb is to plant your seedlings two weeks after the last danger of frost.

  Purchasing a prepared seed starting mix---often a half peat moss, half vermiculite combination---is better than using soil from your garden. Some mixes also contain perlite, an expandable volcanic rock that holds moisture and encourages faster germination. Mix the seed starter with warm water to dampen, and leave overnight to ensure that there are no dry areas left.

  Nearly any small containers with holes in the bottom for drainage will work for starting your tomato seeds. Garden stores and seed catalogs sell seed starting containers that come in single or multiple cells. Avoid using Styrofoam cups; they work fine, but are not environmentally friendly.

Planting And Germination Of The Tomato Seeds

• Fill the containers with the dampened seed starter and tamp it down to remove any air pockets. The tomato seeds should be planted about ¼-inch deep. According to TomatoFest, plant 20 percent more seed than the number of plants you plan on growing in case some of the seeds do not germinate or plants become damaged.

  Try placing your containers on top of your refrigerator, at the back, where it is warm. Avoid direct sunlight at this time because it is not important during germination, and may dry out the soil. Keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees F; the seeds to germinate within 5 to 10 days. As soon as you see the first seedlings breaking through, move them to your light source.

  Tomato seedlings need at least 14 hours of bright light each day. If you choose to set your seedlings on a windowsill, make sure to turn the containers regularly so the seedlings don't become leggy from attempting to stretch up to reach the light. A full-spectrum light or a white florescent light set a few inches above your seedlings can provide the best chance for healthy growth.