We decide on the timing of planting a tomato: when you can sow seeds for seedlings

Tell me when to plant tomatoes? Last year, our seedlings did not manage to develop well before planting in the ground: the bushes were very small and frail, after transplanting they were very ill, and some even completely died. Most likely, we sowed the seeds too late. I would like to avoid such mistakes this season.

It is impossible to get a good harvest of tomatoes without growing seedlings. This culture develops for a long time, moreover, it is thermophilic, and the seedling method allows you to bring the harvest time closer and avoid losses. One of the most important factors in this matter is the right sowing time. Overgrown seedlings do not take root well, too early - they stretch out, and late-planted tomatoes do not have time to get stronger before transplanting to a permanent place.

When you can plant tomatoes depends on several factors:

• where tomatoes will be grown (greenhouse or garden bed);
• what kind of tomato (early or late).

Greenhouse or open ground?

Since tomatoes are heat demanding, the timing of their sowing depends on where the crop will grow in the future. If the cultivation takes place in a heated greenhouse, you can start planting as early as February. For open ground, it is better to postpone sowing at the beginning of March, or even later.

It is also necessary to take into account the weather conditions of the local climate, especially when growing tomatoes in the beds in the garden. The closer to the north, the later the tomatoes should be planted.

Influence of fruiting time on planting timing

Depending on which tomato variety it is planned to grow, and the sowing time is determined. In some, fruiting occurs quickly, which means they need to be planted later, but late-ripening tomatoes require earlier planting. It is possible to calculate the approximate sowing time if the time that the seedlings will grow indoors is subtracted from the date of planting in a permanent place, taking into account the characteristics of specific varieties, namely:

• early tomatoes will need about 50 days for the full development of seedlings;
• mid-season tomatoes will spend up to 60 days in pots;
• late varieties develop even longer - up to 70 days.

In addition, another 5-7 days should be deducted from the received date. This is the time it takes for the seeds to sprout.

For example, if tomatoes of late varieties are planned to be planted in the garden on the 20th of May, you need to subtract 75 days from this date (70 days for the development of seedlings and another 5 days for shoots). It turns out that the seeds should be sown around the beginning of March. Knowing when to plant tomatoes can help you grow sturdy seedlings and reap a good harvest.

Video about the timing of planting a tomato