- 1). Decide what variety of tomatoes you want to plant. If you want fresh tomatoes for salads, try beefsteak or cherry varieties. For cooking or sauces, try plum or Roma varieties. Select prepackaged seeds or use seeds saved from previously harvested tomatoes.
- 2). Clean an area on a table or the floor sufficient in size to accommodate the number of plants you are starting. You may want to use newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to protect carpet and table tops. Gather your supplies around you.
- 3). Begin by adding soil to the peat pots. Fill about half way and then add the seeds as per package instructions. Add more soil on the top so that seeds are resting about ¼ inch deep. Carefully water the soil until it is saturated but not soggy. Place the peat pots in a window that will get the most sunlight during the day. If using a grow light instead of natural sunlight, use a timer accessory to have lights turn on automatically and run for about 12 to 14 hours per day.
- 4). Turn peat pots a 1/4 turn every day. Monitor the soil and be sure it never dries out. Water just enough to keep soil damp at all times during the germination process. Seeds should germinate within one week.
- 5). Transplant the seedlings once they have grown 2 to 3 inches. Prepare a new, larger pot with potting soil. Gently lift the plants by grasping the lowest end of the stem and pulling upward. Place seedling into the new pot and cover with soil until the plant is sturdy. Water and fertilize the soil per instructions on the fertilizer product.
- 6). Keep the soil moist at all times and provide a sturdy stake beside the seedling to help with growth. Gently secure the seedling to the stake with a piece of twine but keep the attachment loose so as not to break off the tender stem or leaves or stunt growth of the plant. Add fertilizer suitable for tomato plants.
- 7). Within a few weeks, yellow blossoms will begin to appear. You can assist with pollination of the flowers by gently vibrating the flowers. The flowers will begin to produce tomatoes. Continue to monitor soil for dryness and keep plant in full sun or under the grow light. Maintain the plant by removing dead leaves and ripened tomatoes regularly.
- 8). If transplanting in the garden, be sure to consult the back of the tomato seed package for instructions on when to plant based on the location you live. You can plant the entire peat pot and plant directly into the garden and cover sufficiently with garden soil so plant remains sturdy. Be sure to continue to water and fertilize your tomato plants.
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