How to grow tomatoes from seeds is cost-effective & near to natural activity. Growing a tomato is big fun for serious & casual gardens. Growing tomatoes from seeds is the perfect relaxing & satisfying method to take fresh, juicy, & flavorful tomatoes from your home garden. You follow 8 simple steps to harvest organic tomatoes.

Growing tomatoes from seeds is a process that requires your attention. You follow the proper steps to get a variety of tomatoes from your home garden. You can grow them indoors & outdoors. The tomato plant of tomatoes easily serves in both environments.

In this article, we discuss all the basic & important information that is helpful on how to grow tomatoes from seeds in your home garden & your small organic vegetable park. 

What is Tomato?

Tomato is considered a vegetable cooked alone & with other vegetables, but it is also popular in the whole world as a fruit because it is juicy & sour. They come in many types of shapes, and colors, & a little bit different in shape. It is a perfect veggie or fruit for health. It is a full pack of nutrients. Let’s break it down to understand its benefits for health, sizes, and colors.

how to grow tomatoes from seeds
  • Vitamins in Tomato: Tomatoes consist of different vitamins such as Vitamin C, K, B6 & A. You can also get potassium & antioxidants. All of these vitamins play a major role in health.
  • Sizes: They come in a variety of sizes every region grows in different sizes like small, medium, large, plum & extra large. Size depends on variety.
  • Colors: Red, yellow, green & orange are some common colors of tomatoes you will see around every day of life. Tomatoes come in a shining array of colors, each adding a unique touch to dishes. Some colors of tomatoes are rare like white, purple & pink tomatoes. 
  • Varieties of Tomatoes: Tomatoes are different varieties in color & size. Some varieties are cherry tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Campari Tomatoes & Green Tomatoes. 

Steps to Grow Tomatoes from Seeds

Growing tomatoes from seeds depends on 7 steps. It is easy like a piece of cake. Some people want to grow their favorite variety but are confused about how to grow tomatoes from seeds & wonder if they are successful in gardening tomatoes. After following these simple & easy steps with consistency every person can grow & become successful.

1. Collect Your Materials:

Before you start growing tomatoes you will need some supplies that are helpful in gardening such as soil, containers, spray bottles & seeds. You can also require a heat mat & light further luxury supplies requirements depend on your setup.

2. Soil:

Used potting soil for seed sowing is the perfect soil because it is made from a mixture of different ingredients that support the seed’s growth. Some basic needs of seed are mixed in soil. There is a reason to use it.

3. Containers:

Different types of containers are available you can use any one or DIY containers fill the containers with soil for putting seeds in.

4. Seeds:

There are several varieties of seeds that are available but you choose according to your taste, place & needs. Sow seeds in the soil & cover seeds with soil and give them some water to grow. Add 4 to 5 seeds in each container.

5. Cover Seeds:

Cover seed from direct sunlight because sometimes seed can not properly grow sunlight directly on it. You can cover it with a warm mate.

6. Watering:

keep watering daily must maintain water balance and not give too much & few drops of water to check the growth of seeds.

7. Seedlings:

When seeds are sprouted separate thin seeds for the best growth of plant tomatoes.

Core Points

Above you learn all the steps of growing tomato plants , but here I discuss something important in detail that helps you to grow tomatoes successfully without wasting effort, time & energy. These key points save your time and power & you feel pleasure.

best soil for tomatoes

Best Soil for Tomatoes

Tomato plants grow fast. They need the best soil to grow the perfect juicy flavor. Good soil structure is important for letting air and water reach properly in the roots, which helps plants grow better. When I start planting tomatoes I check these 3 major points in the soil.

Soil Structure and Texture:

I checked my soil texture must not be heavy because it’s too dense & barriers to the growth of roots. Use loam & sandy soil because loam soil texture is balanced with the mixture of compound sand, silt & clay. Sandy soil is based on the gritty texture of sand, particularly both soils are suitable for the growth of tomatoes.

pH Level

pH level is very important for your tomato plant growth. You need to know whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. It determines the availability of most of a plant’s crucial nutrients. 7.0 pH is considered the best neutral. Tomatoes are acid lovers, so they grow best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. 

Moisture

Just like our skin needs moisture for glowing plants, soil needs moisture. Soil health relies on soil moisture. For tomatoes to grow perfectly, it’s important to maintain a balance of moisture; they don’t need too much watering & too little. Too little watering reduces a more quantity production of fruit & causes issues like blossom end rot.

Fertilization

I analyzed how much my soil needs fertilization. Because tomato plants require a lot of nutrients to grow fast & grow well. Prepare the best soil, add compost & a good fertilizer. Fertilizer is like a food for plants, which tomatoes love. They especially need soil rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Tomato Plant Growth Stages Table

This table shows the rapid tomato plant growth timeline, you will take the idea before planning about how to grow tomatoes from seeds. Tomato plant growth timeline depends on the variety of tomato but commonly it takes 0 to 100 days from seed sow to harvesting.

Here is a table for understanding the stages & period of days.

Stage GrowthStage DurationKey Growth Signs
Germination6 to 8 DaysGreen sprouts appear above the soil
Early Growth25 to 35 DaysDevelopment of leaves and roots
Root growth20 to 25 DaysVines lengthen, foliage and roots grow, initial flowers start to emerge
Flowering 20+ DaysYellow flowers appear and open
Pollination Throughout floweringOccurs throughout the flowering stage
Fruit formation20 to 30 DaysSmall green fruits appear and grow
Ripening  15 to 20 DaysRed color develops

Stages of a Tomato Plant

The tomato plant has 7 stages. Each stage depends on a few days. For a good growth of plants & getting juicy favorable every stage needs care & special attention.

1. Germination Stage

The germination stage is when tomato seeds start to sprout from seeds. This stage requires a warm environment, moisture & Oxygen to grow the seeds. It generally depends on 6 to 8 days.

2. Early Growth Stage

After germination, the early growth stage takes place. During this stage, the first leaves, called true leaves, start to grow. This usually happens 2-3 weeks after planting.

In the early stage, the plant has special leaves called cotyledons that provide nutrients. As the true leaves develop, they make food for the plant through photosynthesis.

3. Root growth Stage

Root growth is the next stage after early growth the tomato plant grows more leaves and stems. It helps the plant produce flowers and fruits afterward.

The plant grows quickly and needs sunlight (at least 6-8 hours a day), water, and nutrients, especially nitrogen, for health & strong roots.

4. Flowering Stage

In the fourth stage, which overlaps with the third, your tomato plants will be 12 to 18 inches tall and start showing small yellow flowers. More tomatoes flower all at once, while indeterminate tomatoes keep flowering throughout the season.

Watch out for temperature changes: flowers may drop if it gets too hot (over 85°F) or too cold (below 55°F).

5. Pollination Stage

After the flowering duration of time known as pollination, tomato flowers help themselves to produce fruit with a little help from the wind, insects (like bumblebees), and any movement around the plants. For pollination to work, the flowers need to be fully open. You might see bright yellow pollen on the flower parts or scattered on the petals and nearby leaves.

6. Fruit formation

When a flower is properly pollinated, its center turns dark, and the flower will drop off the plant within 24 hours. If the stem where the flower was turning green, the plant is getting ready to grow fruit. If it turns yellow, the plant might not be producing fruit.

In the sixth stage, small green fruits the size of will start to appear over the next 2 to 3 weeks. They grow slowly at first, but then quickly get bigger over the next three to five weeks.

7. Ripening

Ripening is the main step of the tomato plant growth stages making tomatoes flavorful and having the right texture. For the best quality water the plants consistently and avoid letting the moisture levels swing too much, which can cause problems like fruit splitting or blossom end rot. After pollination, it takes 20 to 30 days. When the tomatoes are fully ripe or red, they are ready to harvest.

Where do tomatoes grow

Many organic tomato lovers are worried about where they grow this tasty, juicy, & delicious veggie or fruit. Tomato plants grow in warm & sunny conditions. You can 

Grow them in 4 different places or things.

  1. Outdoor Gardens
  2. Containers
  3. Greenhouses
  4. Indoor Spaces
  5. Buckets

How to Grow Tomatoes from Seeds Indoors?

how to grow tomatoes from seeds 1

This is an amazing way for those people who have no place to garden. If you lack a place or no garden don’t think about how to grow tomatoes from seeds. You can use DIY materials, pots, and containers to grow tomatoes indoors. 

People who lack a place to garden are sometimes confused when to plant tomato seeds indoors. It is very easy to understand. Start tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Let’s discuss the pot & container size in detail.

Pot Size for Tomatoes

For growing tomatoes, use pots that are at least 30 cm wide and 25cm deep, holding about 10 liters of soil. Dwarf tomatoes can go in 15 cm pots, and trailing types need baskets at least 30 cm wide. Bigger pots are better for larger plants but cost more and take up more space. Make sure your container is deep enough for healthy root growth. Selecting the best pot to grow tomatoes depends on your needs & choice.

Can you grow tomatoes inside?

can you grow tomatoes inside

It is a common question someone asks you when you share your plan to grow tomato plants indoors. You confidently say Yes! You can grow without too much effort by focusing on the above points & choosing the right size of the pot.

Tomato Container Size

For growing tomatoes in containers, use at least a 15-gallon pot, but 20 to 25 gallons is even better. Bigger containers support larger root systems, which leads to bigger plants and more tomatoes. For dwarf or bonsai varieties, smaller pots work fine. Container size is key for healthy, productive plants.

When is the best time to plant tomatoes

The best time to grow tomatoes depends on the area where you live & your living area’s weather conditions. Tomato plants grow in the warm season or the temperature starts in mid-May. For better quality & quantity don’t start in chilly & first temperatures. How to grow tomatoes from seeds to get a lot of tomatoes from plants depends on the best time to plant tomatoes.

Tomato plants in winter do not grow properly because they need proper sunlight & warm temperatures. The taste of tomatoes in winter is not juicy. It is hard to take tomatoes from plants in the winter season. When should I plant tomatoes is a common question that can be raised in mind but remember you do not plant in winter and wait until the middle of May for the quality & quantity of veggies or fruit.

How deep to grow tomatoes?

how deep to grow tomatoes

For large tomato plants, dig a hole  6-8 inches deep. For smaller plants, a depth of 4-6 inches is comfortable. Confirm the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter for optimal growth.

How to Take Care of Tomato Plants

Taking care of tomato plants isn’t a short-term goal from seed to tomato plant growth; it takes three or more times. The time duration depends on the variety of tomatoes but they want care in the same pattern. How to take care of tomato plants is based on steps.

1. Planting

Plant tomatoes in consumed nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Bury two-thirds of the stem for strong roots and space plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure good airflow and reduce disease risk.

2. Watering

Water your tomatoes regularly, providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week while they’re producing fruit. If they’re in containers, you might need to water them every day or two. Avoid uneven watering to prevent issues like blossom end rot. It’s generally better to water deeply but less frequently.

3. Fertilizing

Tomatoes require a lot of fertilization at the time of growth & when they start producing fruits.  When flowers come on, the plant provides fertilizer with low nitrogen.  Apply a compose around the plants when they are mature.

4. Pruning

Do tomatoes keep growing? and need regular pruning to remove extra shoots for better airflow and more fruit. Determinate tomatoes reach a set height and produce all their fruit at once, so just trim off dead leaves. Use stakes, and cages, to support the plants and keep the fruit off the ground.

tomato plants

10 Best Tips to Grow Tomatoes 

I share 10 amazing tips for planting & growing tomatoes easily. I implement these tips in my garden & see extraordinary results.

  1. Tomato plants love the sunlight. They need 7 to 8 hours of daily sunlight. I chose the direction for the plant where he enjoys the sunlight regularly the whole day.  
  2. Before sowing seed, I test my soil because the best soil provides delicious tomatoes & helps plant growth fast pH level of 6.5 to 6.8 is ideal.
  3. When plants grow add a quality vegetable fertilizer once a week.
  4. I give water to all plants and tomatoes with consistency and must maintain a balance of water not too much & not too little.
  5. Use natural mulch for plant growth.
  6. Planting in soil deep is the secret for best growth.
  7. Remove all the dead & damage levels regularly.
  8. Choose the best variety of tomatoes & good-quality seeds.
  9. Give 18 to 24 inches of space between two plants.
  10. Harvest the tomato at the right time.

What to grow with tomatoes

What to grow with tomatoes is a general topic among gardeners because it gives a lot of benefits saving places for other vegetables. Companion planting enhances tomato growth and productivity.

With the right plants to grow tomatoes, they can boost their health and improve flavor. Planting herbs, flowers, and vegetables that complement tomatoes to create a flourishing balanced garden space. You will grow these 6 plants easily with tomato plants.

  1. Garlic: Garlic helps protect tomato plants by repelling pests. Its strong smell keeps moths, and root maggots away, making it harder for these pests to attack your plants. 
  2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil and tomatoes are perfect companions both in the garden. Basil helps keep insects like flies and hornworms away and boosts tomato yields. 
  3. Onions: Onions naturally decline pests with their strong smell and make great tomato companions. You can grow it with tomato plants. 
  4. Parsley: Parsley can grow easily with tomatoes, it increases growth and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on hornworms. 
  5. Borage & Squash: Borage & squash can grow with tomato. Borage engages pollinators, repels hornworms, and enhances tomato growth and flavor. By late summer, borage helps squash, which needs pollinators to fruit.
  6. French Marigolds & Nasturtium: Tomatoes, borage, and squash grow well together. Borage attracts pollinators, repels hornworms, and improves tomato growth and taste. By late summer, borage also aids squash, which relies on pollinators.

What to not grow with tomatoes

After you know the 6 best plants that grow with tomatoes I tell you 10 plants that stop the growth of tomato plants. 

  1. Cucumber
  2. Cabbage
  3. Dill
  4. Eggplant
  5. Potatoes
  6. Corns
  7. Broccoli
  8. Strawberries
  9. Cauliflower
  10. Brussel Sprouts

Conclusion

How to grow tomatoes from seed is a very easy & simple process, you need a good quality seed, soil, warm weather & proper space. Tomato plants are tall 2 to 5 feet, and look soft, dark & light shades of Green. Various types of tomatoes are grown indoors or outdoors without any extra effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

From seed to growing tomatoes it takes 60 to 90 days or maybe more depending on variety, weather where you live, &  care of you.

The summer season is the best for planting tomatoes. Mid of May is perfect to start with tomatoes because it is a warm lover plant.

Tomato plants are generally tall 3 to 5 feet but some size of the plant depends on variety.

These 7 factors can make your plant grow fast; quality seed, good soil, warm weather, watering properly, use of fertilizer, support & pruning, control of pests & diseases, proper spacing in plants & timely harvesting.

Tomato plants have soft leaves with dark & medium shades of Green color. The stem is solid & supports the plant.

The size of the pot depends on the variety you choose. Normally a 12 to 16-inch pot is recommended.

The best size to plant seeds indoors is 29 March because in warm weather you can quickly transfer them in your garden.

The best time to plant tomatoes in North Carolina is mid-April & before the 20 July.

In Tennessee, start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, which varies by region. For East Tennessee, start in late February; Middle Tennessee in March; and West Tennessee in early March. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, typically mid-April to late May.

Tomato plants need 8 hours of sunlight. It is approximately a full day.

You should plant 18 to 24 inches apart from another plant.

Outdoor plants live 6 to 8 months but in greenhouses, they live 12 to 18 months.

A tomato plant generally needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, which translates to roughly 0.2 to 0.3 inches (about 0.5 to 0.75 liters) of water per day.