Yesterday I planted my tomato seeds! I was going to wait until April 1st, but I just couldn’t take it any longer. {Also, planting tomato seeds sounded way funner than painting the kitchen}.
Because we have a HUGE list of outdoor projects to get done this summer, I have narrowed my list down to just 5 tomato varieties I’ll be starting from seed this year:
- Japanese Black Trifele
- Artisan Bumble Bee Blend Pole Cherry Tomato Seeds
- Red & Yellow Pear Blend Pole Cherry Tomato
- Sun Gold Pole Cherry Tomato
- Ace 55 Tomato
** Note: I totally reserve the right to pick up a few more varieties at the local farmer’s market this summer, because plants… they’re my one weakness. 😉
This year I will be planting my tomatoes in the raised garden beds the HH just built for me as well as a few in pots along the {soon to be} back patio area. But tomatoes {depending on the variety} can be planted in raised beds, garden beds, hanging baskets, and all sorts of containers. Over the years I’ve pretty much plant them anywhere that has had good soil. Because really, is it possible to have too many tomato plants? No, no it’s not.
Planting Seeds: Starting tomatoes from seed couldn’t be easier! I like to start my tomato seeds in Jiffy peat pellet trays or biodegradable non-woven nursery bags. This year I went with the Jiffy seed starting trays because although I am starting all the seeds at my house, they will eventually make their way to my neighbors greenhouse in late April for a few weeks before I divide up the plants {some for my neighbor, some for me} and plant them outside.
The trays will make transporting the seedlings back and forth easy, and I’ve always had good luck starting seeds in the Jiffy peat pellets as well. Plus, I like that they come with a little dome to mimic a mini greenhouse environment.
To Plant Tomato Seeds: Simply plant your seeds about 1/8″ deep. I like to plant 2 -3 seeds in each pot and thin them out to just one when they are about 2″ tall. Tomatoes need quite a bit of light to start, so make sure to place starts in a sunny location or use a grow light.
After 6-8 weeks, tomatoes should be ready to transplant outside {if the weather has warmed up a bit}. Make sure to harden off your plants first by introducing them to the outdoors gradually. Leave them out during the day and bring them in at night for the first week or so. When you are ready to plant them outside, space the plants about 24″ apart when transplanting.
Summer, it’s almost here. I can smell it!
Keep Calm and Keep Planting.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, try and stay out of trouble.
~Mavis
Mel says
I started tomato seedlings a few weeks ago, so they’re starting to get true leaves now. I usually re-pot them several times (burying the stem each time) before transplanting out in order to build the roots, so they’re in tiny pots right now and about ready to move up. I’m in the process of trying to figure out how to get more soil to re-pot them while minimizing our trips out. The next step will be figuring out how to get the plants I grew for friends to them, but I have until late April for that.
On the bright side, I discovered silicone pots this year, so I can just run them through the dishwasher and reuse them next year.
Carole says
Here in South Texas my plants have been in the ground for 2 weeks, and I have BLOOMS!! Hoping for my first tomato in time for Memorial Day burgers.
Mary Ann says
Same here is Southern California! I went a bit crazy this year and have put in 37 tomato plants – plan to put in a dozen more once my little cabbage patch is done.
Sandra G. says
The two largest sign that Summer is upon us are my mesquite and pecan trees have finally leafed out. So one more garden hurdle and that is Easter here in Texas is the beginning of our two or three garden cycle. Glad your seeds are in the pot now it is time to watch. Oh another sign the bluebonnet and other wild flowers along with a huge number of trees and grass are also in bloom.
Linda Sand says
I once had three pots of cherry tomatoes growing on our deck. Can you imagine how bummed I was when I discovered it was eating all those fresh tomatoes that was making me sick! Man I love tomatoes; I just wish they loved me back.
GoddessTantra says
Here in Tasmania I am picking kilos and kilos as we move in Autumn. It’s so exciting. Your seed packets are so beautifully arty. Have a great day and stay safe.
Karen says
What will you do with all of the tomatoes: eat, can, freeze, or dry them? Do tell!