Did you know that you only need 3 simple things to start tomato seeds indoors and grow amazing tomato transplants for your garden or raised beds? And that growing your own plants really is easier than you could ever imagine?
There are so many benefits to starting your tomato plants from seeds. From saving money to having more tomato variety options, starting tomatoes from seed is the way to go for those who are serious about growing great tomato flavor.
But all too often, many gardeners shy away from growing their own plants because they think they need all kinds of special and expensive supplies. That just couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, to grow great seedlings and transplants, beyond your seeds, you really only need three key items.
Perhaps the best news of all is that you can reuse all most all of them again in future years. It’s a small investment you can make in your gardening journey now that will pay off big time in the long run!
The 3 Simple Things You Need To Start Tomato Seeds Indoors – And Grow Amazing Plants!
The Advantages Of Starting Tomato Plants Indoors
As mentioned above, there are so many advantages to starting tomato plants from seeds. First off, growing from seeds is a great way to save money this gardening season. Let’s admit it, nothing is getting cheaper these days!
Whether you have a large garden or just a few container plants, purchasing seedlings from garden centers and nurseries gets rather expensive. This is especially the case if you plan on growing 10 plus tomato plants in your garden.
You can usually purchase entire seed packets for less than you can purchase a single tomato plant. In addition, you can save all the extra seeds you don’t sow for planting the following year. (See: “How To Store Tomato Seeds In The Winter”)
Another great advantage of starting your own seeds is that you are able to grow varieties you can’t find in your local garden centers. Purchasing seed packets is super simple to do in-store or online. It opens you up to unique and diverse tomato varieties that many local nurseries don’t grow.
Lastly, starting tomatoes from seeds allows you to save your own heirloom tomato plant’s seeds. It’s a great way to not only continue growing great genetics from your garden but also saves you money.
What You Need To Start Tomato Seeds Indoors
Besides having a supply of fresh tomato seeds for planting, here is a look at the 3 key things you will need to grow amazing plants – and it all starts with having a container to hold your seedlings!
#1 Seed Starting Containers & Trays
If there is one mistake gardeners make when growing from seed – it is getting seed trays and containers that are too small. Avoid selecting seed trays that can start 48 to 72 plants. The growing cells for these are simply too small and will require transplanting.
At the basic level, you need to have growing cells or containers that are at least 2 inches deep and 2 inches wide. These will allow you to grow tomato plants with a good root system, and stop you from having to transplant during their growth – which can hamper growth.
The containers need to be able to hold soil while allowing excess water to drain out. You also need a tray or something to set the container on that will collect the water.
You can usually find seed starting trays and containers at most garden centers, farm stores, and big box stores in early spring- or you can order online. These trays and containers are usually fairly inexpensive and allow you to start several tomato seeds in a small space. Affiliate Link: 2.5inch Square Nursery Pots With Seed Starting Trays, Seed Starter Tray Kit
After you plant your seeds, you need to cover the containers with a clear plastic lid of some sort. Again, you can purchase lids but you can also just use a layer of plastic wrap as well. This covering will help to keep in the heat and moisture and encourage seeds to germinate quickly.
#2 Seed Starting Soil – What You Need To Start Tomato Seeds Indoors
The next item you need is seed starting soil. It might seem like an obvious one, but there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the type of soil you use to start your tomato seeds indoors.
Don’t use any basic potting soil that you would use for house plants or mature plants without making alternations first. Regular potting soil is much too dense. Seeds need loose soil in order to sprout and easily push out roots.
You can purchase bagged seed starting soil that is intended specifically for sprouting and growing seeds. The soil needs to be lightweight and contain plenty of nutrients to get the seeds off to a great start. (Affiliate Product Link: Espoma Seed Starting Soil)
Lighting – What You Need To Start Tomato Plants Indoors
Last but not least – you need to provide the right lighting for your plants. As soon as your tomato seeds germinate, you need to provide them with a light source. Unfortunately, setting seeds next to a bright window won’t produce the best results.
The problem with growing seeds next to windows is that the source – the sun – is so far away. And that means your tomato plants will end up growing tall and leggy. This will create plants that will likely struggle once they are planted outside in the elements.
Instead, you need to use artificial lights. There are lights that are specifically labeled as “grow lights”, but those lights are usually more expensive and unnecessary. Basic LED or fluorescent shop lights will work perfectly fine for starting and growing tomatoes. Even better, they are inexpensive to buy and operate! Affiliate Link: 4 Pack Linkable LED Utility Shop Light
The key is to use a setup that will allow the lights to stay a few inches above the seedlings as they grow. You will need to move the lights up as the plants get taller. You can create a seed starting stand to hang the lights from or you can prop the lights up on blocks and add more as needed.
Along with your tomato seeds and a little water to keep the seed starting soil moist, these 3 simple items will have you all set up on the path for growing healthy and amazing tomato plants right from your own home!
I Grow Tomatoes
Follow Our Facebook Page For Even More Great Tomato Growing Tips! I Grow Tomatoes Facebook Page
I Grow Tomatoes is a website created for those who love all things about tomatoes – from planting and growing – to cooking and canning! We publish two articles every week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email! This article may contain affiliate links.