How to Start Tomato Seeds: 5 Expert Growing Tips

"There are two basic types of tomatoes: indeterminate and determinate. If you live somewhere where the spring and summer are short, determinate tomatoes are easier to grow, as they produce a harvest all at once and have a defined max height. Many within this category don't need support to grow. They also produce earlier than indeterminates."

"Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, tend to provide small harvests over the entire season. These are best for longer seasons, or those in areas where spring and fall are punctuated by hot summers, when tomatoes can't set flowers due to high heat. Indeterminates need support and consistent tending, even when they're not producing in hot weather."

"Aside from these overarching considerations are the types of tomatoes you want to grow. Do you want large beefsteaks or slicers for sandwiches? What about sauce tomatoes or canning tomatoes, which have rich, thick flesh? Don't forget cherries, either. Maybe red tomatoes are already plentiful at the market, and you need to bring something interesting like a Yellow Pear or Green Zebra."

Tomatoes are popular at spring and summer markets, requiring indoor seed starting four to six weeks before the last frost in most North American regions, with direct sowing occurring one to two weeks after frost ends. Two main tomato types exist: determinate varieties produce all fruit at once with defined heights and need less support, making them ideal for short seasons; indeterminate varieties produce continuously throughout the season and require support and consistent care, suiting longer growing periods. Beyond these categories, growers should select specific tomato types based on their intended use—beefsteaks for slicing, sauce tomatoes for canning, cherries for snacking, or heirloom varieties like Yellow Pear or Green Zebra to differentiate from market competition. Selecting appropriate varieties for individual farm conditions and market needs is essential before beginning seed starting.

Read at Modern Farmer