Grow Your Own Tomatoes from Seed!

Instructions:

1. Start Indoors (Optional): Tomato seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix.

2. Plant Seeds: Plant tomato seeds about OE inch deep in the soil or seed trays. Water gently after planting.

3. Provide Warmth: Tomatoes germinate best in warm temperatures. Keep seed trays in a warm location or use a heat mat to encourage germination.

4. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom of seed trays to avoid disturbing seeds.

5. Transplant: Once tomato seedlings have developed true leaves and are 6-8 inches tall, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden if the weather and soil temperature are suitable.

6. Provide Support: As tomato plants grow, provide support such as stakes, cages, or trellises to keep them upright and prevent sprawling.

7. Watering: Water tomato plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

8. Fertilize: Fertilize tomato plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost every few weeks to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

9. Pruning (Optional): Remove suckers (small side shoots) from tomato plants to encourage larger fruits and better airflow.

10. Harvest: Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they have reached their mature color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruits from the vine.