GROWING GUIDE - TOMATOES

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy tomatoes in your garden? This guide covers seed starting, transplanting, fertilizing, and early care to help you grow strong plants and abundant harvests.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with added organic matter
• Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last expected frost
• Transplant outdoors only after nights remain warm
• Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
• Follow seed packet instructions for best results
• Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

SEED STARTING

Timing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting outside.

Planting depth: Sow seeds about ¼ in. deep and gently firm soil over the seeds.

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Germination temperature: Maintain soil temperature around 24°C. Seeds typically germinate in 6–10 days.

Lighting: Once seedlings emerge, provide 14–16 hours of bright light daily to prevent legginess.

TRANSPLANTING (INDOORS)

When seedlings reach about 5 in. tall, transplant them into larger containers (such as 3–4 in. peat pots).

Plant seedlings deep, burying part of the stem. Tomatoes form roots along buried stems, resulting in stronger plants.

Maintain daytime temperatures around 17–21°C and provide good airflow until plants are ready for outdoor hardening.

FERTILIZING

During early growth, fertilize lightly once per week with a phosphorus-forward fertilizer (such as a 10-52-17 formulation) to support root development.

Once plants are established or transplanted outdoors, switch to a balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer to support flowering and fruiting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Important: Do not transplant outdoors until nighttime temperatures remain consistently above frost levels.

EPSOM SALT & TOMATOES

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) provides magnesium and sulfur, nutrients that may benefit tomatoes if a deficiency is present.

Use only if needed—excess magnesium can interfere with calcium uptake. Apply as a diluted soil drench or foliar spray according to label or soil test recommendations.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality tomato seeds and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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