Caring for a tomato plant starts from caring for the seedling.
Many people want big fruitful tomato plants but don’t want to start seedlings and care for them. That’s not how the world works. Remember, you only reap what you sow.
This article is the perfect step-by-step guide for beginner gardeners who are looking for guidance on caring for their tomato seedlings and growing fruit without shortcuts. Let’s jump right into it!
1 – Watering
Water is essential for plant growth. Even cactuses, which we believe “thrive” in desert conditions without water, will begin to die out if not given water for more than 2 years.
Tomato seedlings prefer decently moist soil and dryness is usually not well tolerated. Many people, however, mistake moist for “water every day till the seedling is swimming in water”. This mistake can ruin your seedling by attracting fungal diseases and rot.
Watering lightly every 1-3 days will typically yield the best results in terms of root and leaf growth in the seedling.
2 – Optimal Temperature
The day and night pattern perfectly accommodates tomato seedlings’ temperature requirements. They typically prefer warmth during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Anywhere between 20° to 30° (68°F to 86°F) is considered optimal.
Try your best, however, to not expose your tomato seedlings to harsher temperatures for extended periods of time. Too much sun will scorch their delicate leaves whereas extreme cold can potentially stunt growth.
Place your seedlings somewhere where the temperature is even and consistent.
3 – Light Exposure
Tomato seedlings typically prefer good light exposure for 12-16 hours a day. They’re not the kind to be put in a highly shady area and, even though you can, they probably won’t thrive in there.
If adequate natural light isn’t available or you live in a region where it’s a blessing to see the sun every once in a while, bright grow lights can be a viable option.
Simply place them a few inches away from the seedlings and keep them on for roughly 14-16 hours every day.
4 – Use Fertilizers
A very important tip I have for the fertilization of seedlings is to NOT rush it! Wait till the seedlings develop a few real leaves and then you’re good to add in whatever you want.
A balanced, well-diluted fertilizer that’s water-soluble is a solid choice. Ensure the fertilizer is diluted to half-strength initially to avoid fertilizer burn.
Fertilize the seedlings once every two weeks to begin with and increase the frequency as needed over time.
5 – Transplanting
Once the seedlings get to about 5-7 inches tall and develop a few real leaves, it’s time to transplant them. After sowing the seeds, getting to this point will take roughly 4-6 whole weeks.
To begin transplanting, first remove the seedlings from the seed tray/containers with the roots intact. Then prepare holes in your garden soil or larger container where the seedlings will go. Ensure they’re deep enough that the seedlings can remain upright in the soil and a few leaves stick out.
Once your seedlings are in, firmly pack the lower portions with soil and hydrate well to promote plant growth.
Final Words
As complex and intimidating as the process of caring for seedlings might seem, it’s really not that much work if you do it from a genuine place in your heart.
It can even just be the goal of acquiring juicy tomatoes driving you, and, as long as you don’t give up on the seedling, nature won’t give up on you. It’s really that simple.
