Homestead tomatoes are strong, semi-determinate plants that produce firm, meaty, medium-sized red fruits. With large leaves providing sun protection, these tomatoes are resistant to Fusarium Wilt and cracking, making them reliable in warm climates.
Tomato Seed Growing Guide
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start tomato seeds indoors 6â€"8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays, small pots, or cell packs with good drainage for initial germination.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1â€"2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently to ensure even moisture.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70â€"75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5â€"10 days.
- Thinning: Thin to one plant per cell or pot after seedlings develop their first true leaves to give each plant space to grow.
- Transplanting Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors once the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F and all risk of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7â€"10 days. Space plants 18â€"24 inches apart for determinate varieties and 24â€"36 inches apart for indeterminate varieties.
General Care Tips for Tomatoes
- Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6â€"8 hours of direct sunlight daily once transplanted outdoors; more sun promotes better growth and fruiting.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer when plants begin to flower and set fruit.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
- Supporting Indeterminate Tomatoes: Indeterminate varieties require staking, cages, or trellises for vertical growth, improving air circulation and ease of harvesting.
