There’s something magical about growing your own tomatoes from seed—watching those tiny seeds unfurl into lush, productive plants. Whether you're dreaming of juicy slicers, sweet cherry tomatoes, or heirloom beauties, starting from seed puts you in control of variety, timing, and quality. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to grow strong, healthy tomato seedlings and prepare them for transplanting.

🌱 Step 1: Choose Your Seeds

Before you get your hands dirty, decide what type of tomato you want to grow. Consider:

• Determinate (bush type): Shorter, sets fruit all at once (ideal for containers or small gardens)

• Indeterminate (vining): Keeps growing and producing all season (perfect for trellising)

• Heirloom vs Hybrid: Heirlooms offer unique flavor and appearance; hybrids often offer disease resistance

Pro tip: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date.

🧂 Step 2: Prepare Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• Seed-starting mix (light, sterile, and drains well)

• Containers (cell trays, peat pots, or upcycled yogurt cups with drainage holes)

• Humidity dome or plastic wrap (to retain moisture until germination)

• Labels (trust us—you won’t remember what you planted)

• A sunny window or grow lights

  
  

🌧️ Step 3: Plant the Seeds

1. Moisten your seed-starting mix before filling your containers.

2. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep.

3. Gently firm the mix over the seeds and mist with water.

4. Cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap.

5. Place in a warm spot (70–80°F) to encourage germination.

⏳ Germination usually takes 5–10 days.

💡 Step 4: Light, Water, and Watch Them Grow

Once seedlings emerge, remove covers and move them into bright light. Tomato seedlings need 12–16 hours of light daily to grow strong and not leggy.

Tips:

• If using a grow light, keep it just a few inches above the seedlings.

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water from the bottom if possible to avoid damping off.

  
  

🌿 Step 5: Thin and Pot Up

When seedlings develop their first true leaves (not the baby seed leaves), it’s time to thin them:

• If multiple seeds sprouted in one cell, snip the weaker ones at the base.

• Once they outgrow their trays or are 3–4 inches tall, transplant them into larger pots (3-4 inches deep). Bury the stem up to the lowest set of leaves to encourage strong roots.

Optional: Add a fan or gently brush the tops of your seedlings daily to simulate wind and strengthen stems.

🌞 Step 6: Harden Off Before Transplanting

About 7–10 days before transplanting, harden off your plants:

1. Start by placing them outside in a shady, wind-protected spot for a couple of hours.

2. Gradually increase sun exposure and time outdoors each day.

3. Protect from cold temperatures (bring in if it dips below 50°F).

   
   

🧺 Step 7: Transplant Time!

When nighttime temps stay above 50°F and your seedlings are 6–10 inches tall with several sets of leaves, they’re ready to hit the garden.

• Choose a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil.

• Dig a hole deep enough to bury most of the stem (tomatoes grow roots along the buried stem).

• Space plants 18–36 inches apart depending on variety.

• Water well and consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• If it's cloudy during your summer like it is in Pacifica, use weed barrier over your soil to lock in the heat!

  
  

🧡 Final Thoughts

Starting tomatoes from seed may take a little patience and planning, but it’s deeply rewarding—and often more cost-effective. Plus, nothing beats the flavor of a sun-warmed tomato that you grew from scratch.

Happy growing!

Peace, Love and Plants,

Your Ortega Otters Garden Team