Growing Tomatoes from Seed: 12 Steps to Success

Starting tomatoes from seed is deeply satisfying—and easier than you think. Follow these 12 steps for strong, healthy plants.

1. Choose variety: Determinate (bush, 3 ft, once-over harvest) or indeterminate (vining, 6–10 ft, continuous). Match to space and use.
2. Gather supplies: Seeds, sterile seed-starting mix, trays/pots, spray bottle, liquid fertilizer, fluorescent lights.
3. Sterilize: Rinse trays, pots, tools in 10% bleach solution.
4. Moisten mix: Damp, not soggy—clumps when squeezed.
5. Fill containers: Pack gently but firmly.
6. Sow seeds: On surface, cover with fine layer of dry mix.
7. Mist: Lightly wet surface.
8. Cover: Clear plastic (not airtight) for humidity.
9. Warmth: 55–75°F. Not hotter.
10. Light on germination: 3–7 days. Remove cover; 16 hrs/day under fluorescent lights, 2" above seedlings.
11. Feed & pot up: At 2nd true leaves, half-strength fish fertilizer. At 3rd true leaves, transplant to 4" pots.
12. Harden off: 5–7 weeks in, 8–10" tall. Gradual sun exposure over a week—shade to full sun. Then plant out.

Patience and consistency yield a season of juicy, homegrown tomatoes you'll never forget.