Tomatoes are ready for prime time and can be transplanted as soon as the last frost has passed.
We’re sharing more on transplanting tomato seedlings and planting tomatoes for a great harvest below.
This allows the root system to have room to develop.
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Now for what we all want to know: when can these beauties land in the garden?
Should You Harden Off Tomato Transplants?
Start the process by putting the pots outside away from direct sunlight for a couple of hours each day.
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Gradually increase the amount of time and exposure to sunlight.
As the seedlings grow, they may need support, especially if the tomato plant is anindeterminate variety.
Add several sticks around the edge of the pot to help support the plant.
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Place the plant in the larger container with only one-third of the plant above the edge of the container.
Fill in around the plant with potting mix and water well.
If the tomato seedling begins to flower during the hardening off period, the flower should be removed.
These blooms zap some of the plant’s energy that is needed to develop a strong root system.
After transplanting into the garden or final patio container, every flower has the potential to become a tomato.
The plants should be transplanted to the garden when the last chance of spring frost has passed.
Tomato Transplanting Tips.University of California.
