{"id":388,"date":"2023-03-05T22:15:18","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T03:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mistydawnfarmfl.com\/?p=388"},"modified":"2023-03-05T22:15:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T03:15:22","slug":"how-to-transplant-tomato-seedlings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mistydawnfarmfl.com\/?p=388","title":{"rendered":"How to Transplant Tomato Seedlings Into your Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u00a0 Whether you have grown your own from seeds, or purchased them ready to go, there are a few things you need to know when it comes time to transplant tomato seedlings into your garden. Let\u2019s talk soil, fertilizer and mulch\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if a purchase is made through a link<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Perfect Spot to Plant Tomatoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  Tomatoes like a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. These plants need \u201cfull sun\u201d, which means a minimum of 8-10 hours of sunlight a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  However, there is such a thing as \u201ctoo much\u201d sun. Tomato plants actually appreciate a bit of shade during the hot summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  If you have a spot that is shaded in the late afternoon, or possibly a spot that gets all the morning and evening sun, but directly overhead is slightly shaded, that\u2019s perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  You can also achieve a bit of sun relief for your tomatoes by planting sunflowers next to them. Sunflowers grow tall and their large leaves help filter the direct sunlight for your other plants. (Plus, sunflowers improve your soil!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing Soil for Tomato Seedlings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  Tomatoes like a well-turned soil. Till the area a good 8-12 inches deep. If planting in a raised bed, an electric or hand tiller work well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  (Tomatoes like soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.2-6.8.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Next, you\u2019ll want to till in a rich compost or a composted manure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0 A rich compost will add nutrients and improve the structure of the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Composted manure gives a slow release of nutrients over the entire growing season of the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Personally, I use rabbit and cow manure. Rabbit manure is a \u201ccold\u201d manure, which means it doesn\u2019t need to compost before using it and it won\u2019t burn your plants. Cow manure isn\u2019t very \u201chot\u201d, but it still needs to be older\/composted before using it for your tender tomato seedlings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Another good amendment is wood ash. It is a great source of potassium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0 Organic coffee grounds are another soil amendment your tomato plants will appreciate. It contains a little nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also opt for a store bought fertilizer to mix into the soil prior to planting. Something specifically made for tomatoes is best. I will link what I suggest to use below this post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planting Tomato Seedlings into the Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  Once your outside temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees F., it\u2019s time to transplant your seedlings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0 Plant tomato seedlings 3 feet apart. Or, if you\u2019re transplanting into a larger pot, it needs to be at least a 24-inch pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Step 1. The Hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig a hole 2-3 inches deeper than the depth of the pot. You\u2019ll want it deep enough to cover an inch or two (or 3 or 4) of the tomato seedling\u2019s stem. Tomato stems planted beneath the soil will sprout more roots, and give your little plant a stronger foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Step 2. Extra Calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, while not necessary, I like to add some crushed up egg shells to the base of the hole. This will provide calcium to the plant as the shells decompose. I add about 1-2 large egg\u2019s shells to each hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Step 3. Plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove the seedling from its pot and gently loosen the roots. Place it into the hole and fill in, packing the soil around the tomato plant with a light firmness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Step 4. Water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deeply water your tomato seedlings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  Step 5. Trellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t already, set up your trellis system. It may be tomato cages, a store-bought trellis, or something DIY like a cattle panel trellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When to Mulch your Tomato Seedlings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  About a week or two after transplanting, once your seedlings have gotten established, it\u2019s time to mulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to minimize weeds and help keep the soil moist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good option for mulching tomato plants is straw or shredded leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re just getting started with seeds, check out my article on How to Start Tomatoes from Seed<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Links<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few Amazon links to some of the items I recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric tiller\/cultivator: Sun Joe 16″<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand Tiller<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jobe’s Organic Fertilizer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n