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[Tomato Dirt #137] What You Need to Start and Grow Tomatoes Indoors
February 01, 2018

Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 8, Number 2

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

Welcome back to Tomato Dirt! A couple of times a month, we’ll send you this newsletter packed with tips about growing tomatoes and using them.


Ready to Start Tomatoes?

Potting soil, peat pots, cell trays … make sure you have what you need to start seeds for your garden.Take a look at seed starting gear used by gardeners like you!

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FEATURE: What You Need to Start and Grow Tomatoes Indoors


Image: www.smalltraygardening.net

In the northern hemisphere, summer has turned to fall (and in some cases, winter.) But tomato gardeners need not despair! You can continue to enjoy fresh, luscious tomatoes throughout the cold months by growing them indoors.

You need just a few things …

  • An environment
    A windowsill, grow lights, or a greenhouse. All three can work.
  • Light
    Indoor tomatoes require 12-16 hours of light a day. Even plants in a sunny window or in a greenhouse may need a few extra hours under grow lights during winter's short days.
  • Heat
    Indoor tomatoes grow best when the air temperature is between 65º-85ºF. If your house thermostat is set lower, your house is drafty, or your greenhouse isn't heated, keep plants warm with a space heater or seedling heat mat.
  • The right variety
    Cherry or plum tomato indeterminate varieties perform best indoors. Small fruited plants (cherry or plum tomatoes) produce a large number of fruit and ripen quickly. Indeterminates continue to grow throughout the winter and will produce fruit in abundance.

Get more helpful details about growing tomatoes indoors here -- plus check out some FAQs about indoor tomatoes.

And be sure to check out some helpful pointers and visuals on our Growing Indoor Tomatoes Pinterest board.


Yep, There's a Seed Starting Kit for That


Deep-root growing kits … quick start seed kits … special potting mixes. Yep, there's a kit for that!

We love how you can get replacement parts for seed starting trays, too. Our good friends at Gardener's Supply have all kinds of seed starting gear and will answer your questions, too.


Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes

The world's number one tomato Bible. Advice on 1300 varieties, soil preparation, pruning; and extensive help with pests and diseases from a leading industry expert to help you have the biggest, tastiest crop ever.

Tomato Growing Book


Tomato Growing Tip: Make Sure Your Grow Lights Are Adjustable


Image: Tomato Dirt


Get more tips for growing tomatoes on our Tomato Growing Tips Pinterest board.


Start and Grow Tomatoes Indoors

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Tabletop grow light kits - makes it easy to start and grow tomatoes Germination mat - keeps seeds warm during seed starting from Hydrofarm Indoor grow lights to start tomato seeds from Gardener's Supply, others

More Tips for Starting and Growing Tomatoes Indoors

How to Choose a Tomato Seed Starting Kit to Use Indoors How to Grow Tomatoes Indoors Tomato Grow Lights Explained Starting Tomatoes Under Grow Lights: FAQs

That’s it for now. More next time.

Until then, happy gardening!




Kathy with Tomato Dirt
www.tomatodirt.com
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