Where to Grow Tomatoes

Where to Grow
Tomatoes prefer a warm climate in general. The first decision to make is to decide whether seeds are planted directly into soil outside or seedlings are raised indoors first. For those in the cooler climates of northern Europe, it is a good idea to plant seeds indoors. Small plastic nursery cups can be bought from most home improvement stores. Each cup should be filled with an organic soil or compost. Five or six seeds should then be sprinkled on to the soil of each cup then each seed should be gently pressed into the soil, no more than a quarter of an inch below the surface.

Nursery cups should be placed near a window, if possible, to get the most light possible. It is possible to use fluorescent light as a replacement for sunlight. At this point, the seeds will need at least six hours of light per day in order to successfully sprout. Most tomato varieties will show the first shoots within ten days, however many will sprout overnight if it’s warm enough. It is important to remember that, at this stage, seeds will only need a light watering. Too much water may ‘drown’ the seedlings before they really get established.

For those lucky enough to live in warmer climates such as southern Europe, the Americas and northern Africa, it should be possible to directly sow seeds into the soil of a garden. The temperature of the soil should be around 65 degrees for the seeds to sprout most effectively. The air temperature should no lower than 45 degrees. This usually means it’s best to wait until early April before planting seeds outside in the colder northern hemisphere climates. A location with ample sunlight throughout the day should be chosen. Seeds will need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to sprout successfully; however, between eight and twelve will deliver the best results.

It is also important to remove any foreign bodies and weeds from the soil before planting. The soil should also be well turned over and aerated. Seed should be sprinkled over the ground with even spacing. It is important not to overcrowd the area with seed, so leaving an inch between each seed is a good idea. For the best results, make sure the soil is at 6-6.8 PH by adding lime where required. It is also a great idea to add some organic compost or fertiliser as larger and juicier tomatoes may well result. The seeds should be lightly covered in soil and watered once a day. Of course, in some areas, there will be enough rain, but it is important to keep them watered regularly in the early stages.