Growing tomatoes from seed can be a rewarding experience as you shepherd a tomato plant from start to finish. Gardening not only provides you with tons of fresh fruit and vegetables that are brought right to your table but you also have the confidence that everything in them is completely wholesome and safe. No artificial preservatives or harmful pesticides were added. Furthermore, gardening is great exercise. Here is a guide on how to grow tomato plants from seeds and to nurture them to provide a bounty of wholesome tomatoes.

Prepare the seeds

One of the best ways to get start is to grow the tomato seeds indoors and to transplant to your garden after they have become seedlings. Prep your seeds around six to eight weeks before the last anticipated frost in your area. This entails sowing your tomato plant seeds in a container of potting soil about a fourth of an inch deep in rows that are about half an inch apart.

Transplant

As your seedlings take hold and begin to sprout in their container, wait until two weeks after the last expected frost, when nighttime temperatures are routinely around 50 degree Fahrenheit. Once this has happened, remove each seedling from the shared container and pot them individually in a container. This allows them more room to spread out and expand their root system. Keep these containers indoors for the time being in direct sunlight. Tomato plants require warm temperatures that are around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Move to the garden

Once spring is on the cusp of summer, prepare your garden for your mature seedlings by digging holes deep enough to accommodate the root system and soil of the potted seedling. Plant your mature seedling and water thoroughly so it begins to take root. Be sure to protect your tomato seedlings from animals, especially rabbits, during this time because their young and soft green leaves make for a tempting snack.

Care and prune

Once your tomatoes are in the ground, they should take to it quite quickly. Tomatoes are hardy plants and for the most part take care of themselves once they have matured. However, to get the most out of your tomato plants you’ll want to prune them regularly to ensure proper growth and juicy fruit. Also, look into tomato cages and tomato stakes to support the growth of your tomato plants. They have a natural tendency to droop and spread across the ground which can invite pests and also damage the blossoming tomatoes. Support your grown tomato plants with these devices so that they have a more stable platform to grow from.

Growing tomatoes from seeds is a fun way to expand the reach of your green thumb. Since these plants are hardy and rugged, they make good beginner seeds to nourish and grow. All the supplies for growing tomatoes from seed can be purchased at a local gardening supply store. Consult with a seasoned grower for advice on particular soil or climate conditions.

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