195438_708468174_6413677_n_small
Reputation: 2
Follow 0
Follow 1

Is it too late to start tomato seeds?

I know it's late - but I'm wondering if it's too late to even bother. I have a little indoor seed starting kit (with the heating pad and covered "greenhouse") and would like to grow some cherry tomato varieties.

MrsBall asked in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…
Latest Greatest

3 Answers

  • Dsc_0339_small
    Reputation: 675
    Follow 2
    Master Gardener Andrea

    It's not at all too late! March - April is the best time to start your tomato seeds.   Once your little seedlings are ready to transplant into containers, be sure to keep your plants indoors until the soil warms up to at least 50 degrees or higher. Wait to place the plants outside until mid-May or June, depending on the temp. 

    And more tomato info. . . . Every year tomato plants are the star attraction at the Master Gardener Plant Sale (for info: www.mgfkc.org). Lots of great information about growing tomatoes is available at the sale.

    Wally Prestbo, the tomato "Guru" of the Master Gardener Bellevue Demonstration Garden, recommends two favorite cherry tomato varieties: 'Sweet Million' and 'Cabernet.'  Wally also gives some great growing advice: "Put tomatoes in raised beds or containers in the sunniest location available. The soil should drain well and test at PH of 6-6.5. When I plant I use a cup of balanced organic vegetable fertilizer (10-10-10) in and around the hole or trench. I only plant about 6-7” deep unless the plant is tall (one foot+) and then I dig a trench 6” deep and lay the plant on its side and gently bend the top up slightly and stake it. Then I cover all of the stem and root ball. Water thoroughly 2-3 times per week (at the roots) keeping leaves dry."

    Let's hope for a sunny summer and happy planting! -Andrea

    Master Gardener Andrea answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Finn3goof_small
    Reputation: 1811
    Follow 4

    Heck no. Get them started and plant them under a cloche or some sort of cold frame. Or plant them near a wall.

    This past year was a cabage year and not many tomato plants did well. this year may also be cool and crappy so anything you can do to warm up the plant's environment is good.

    Get to City People's and look check out the Territorial Seeds collection for cherry toms that do well around here.

    Good luck.

    Tom answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Img_2864_small
    Reputation: 203
    Follow 0

    In my book, yes it is, alas. We start them on the farm here in mid to late January, as those tomato girls need some TIME to git their bling on.

    But take heart, every farmer and her sister happens to be growing tomato starts and selling them at a farmers market near you! Not much to bring to market in early spring (or late, late, late winter as this one) other than some spindly greens and lush tomato starts! Of course, the farmers at OXBOW FARM have the FINEST IN ALL THE TOMATO KINGDOM, with many varieties to choose from and great descriptions of their offerings. We are at the Sunday Ballard Farmers Market in May! But any ol' farmers market no doubt would yield many, many options in tomato varieties. And cherries are all our FAVES to grow, so you will have many to choose from!

    Grow on!

    Sarah Cassidy answered in Edibles & Herbs about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend: