Tomatoes are the most popular garden plant in the United States, so it comes as no surprise that we get a lot of readers asking how to grow tomatoes from seed. While they do take a little extra care and attention, starting a tomato plant from seed is not anything that requires a lot of specialized training. Here you will learn what you need to know to get those tomato seeds started fast in a few short steps.

1. The first step in learning how to grow tomatoes from seed successfully is to start with good quality tomato seed. If you purchase seed  it is important to check the date printed on the packaging to ensure the seed is not too old. If you grow your own tomatoes and choose to save your own tomato seed, be sure that you know the correct way to handle them or they may not be viable for germination next season.

2. To start tomato seeds quickly and with the best germination rate, begin with a dampened paper towel. Add tomato seeds to the towel and roll it up, then place it loosely into a plastic bag and keep it unsealed in a warm place, preferably where the temperature is between 70-80 degrees F. The top of the refrigerator is a great out-of-the-way location.

3. Carefully open the paper towel and check your tomato seeds for germination in 3-4 days. The seeds that have germinated are ready for the next step. You might choose to give the seeds that have not germinated another day or so, but chances are that they will not germinate if they are not showing signs at this point.

NOTE: It is very important that you handle the tiny tomato sprouts very carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots. A pair of tweezers can make the next step much easier.

4. Place one germinated tomato seedling at a time into a prepared container (like our newspaper seed starting pots) filled with dampened seed starting medium, careful to keep the root intact. A pencil or skewer will be helpful in making the right size hole for your sprouts. Do not use potting or garden soil!

5.  When all of your tomato sprouts have been transplanted, cover them with a dome lid or plastic wrap to keep them protected from drying out and from drafts while they adjust to their new home.

While we do not recommend the use of any commercial fertilizers at this point, if you want to give your seedlings a boost of nutrients, consider watering them with a well-composted manure tea such as those offered by Authentic Haven Brand.

The tips in this article will teach you what you need to know on how to grow tomatoes from seed fast, but you can’t stop learning there. Next we will look at hardening tomatoes to get them ready for outdoor planting in the spring.