Tomato Growing Guide – From Seeds to Juicy Harvest

Have you ever tried growing your own tomatoes from seed? I've been doing it for years and love harvesting my own super aromatic tomatoes in the summer. I often have so many of these delicious fruits that I can't possibly use them all at once, so I make my own tomato sauce. But how exactly do you sow the seeds? Here's my step-by-step guide! Growing your own tomatoes has several advantages over buying young plants. It’s much cheaper — seeds cost less than young plants, and with open-pollinated varieties, you can even harvest your own seeds for future years. You also have more choice, as you can explore a wide range of tomato seeds available from trusted sources like an online plant nursery Pakistan, while the selection of young plants is often limited. Plus, you get full control over how your plants are fertilized and cared for. Overall, growing your own tomatoes isn't as difficult as it seems — and the results are truly rewarding.

When is the best time to sow tomatoes?

Greenhouse owners: possible from the end of February

No greenhouse: better to start only in mid/late March.

Attention: Tomatoes should not be planted outdoors until mid-May. If you sow seeds early but don't have enough space indoors, things can quickly become cramped. This increases the risk of disease and weak plants. I have a very sheltered spot against the house wall for my tomatoes, and I also have a small, homemade tomato house made of foil (you can also buy them ready-made. That's why I always start sowing at the end of February.

The right materials for sowing and growing tomatoes

These are the materials you need for growing tomatoes. Actually, you don't need much to start tomatoes indoors:

I recommend organic potting soil
Small seedling trays that can be reused every year are suitable. Simple egg cartons are also appropriate (however, caution must be exercised here due to the risk of salmonella transmission).

Then you'll of course need seeds (e.g., from the organic plant mart ). As I mentioned before, I like to plant many different varieties. Conveniently, there are seed kits available for this. You can also harvest seeds yourself from open-pollinated varieties. See my variety guide in the next section for more information.

Which tomato variety is right for you? A short variety guide

Overview of tomato varieties: From cocktail tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes

The selection of tomato varieties is huge! Depending on space, location, and taste, different varieties are particularly well-suited:

Bush tomatoes

Perfect for balconies. These compact varieties need little space and don't require pruning. They are ideal for pots or containers. Examples: Balconi Yellow, Tiny Tim, Red Robin.

Indeterminate tomatoes

High yield for garden beds or greenhouses. Indeterminate tomatoes grow vertically and need support or a trellis. They need to be regularly pruned, but produce a large harvest. Examples: San Marzano (my favorite for pizza), Moneymaker, Berner Rose.

Cherry tomatoes

Sweet and ideal for children. Small, aromatic fruits that can be eaten straight from the plant. They are easy to care for and suitable for garden beds and pots. Examples: Sungold, Tomberry, Supersweet 100.

Beefsteak tomatoes

For juicy sauces and burgers. Large, often multi-chambered fruits with an intense flavor. Perfect for sauces, soups, or eating fresh. Examples: Oxheart, Pineapple Tomato, Brandywine.

Outdoor tomatoes

Robust and resilient. Specially bred varieties that thrive even without rain protection. Ideal for raised beds or gardens. Examples: Primabella, Matina, Rote Murmel.

Tip: If you have the space, you can try different varieties – that way you'll quickly find your personal favorites!

Seedling pots for tomato plants

Preparation: Fill small pots or seed trays with organic potting soil.

Making holes: Press small indentations into the soil with your finger.

Planting seeds: If possible, plant only one seed per pot. (Multiple seeds = more time-consuming pricking out later!)

Lightly cover the soil: Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.

Watering: Moisten with a spray bottle or a gentle stream of water.

Covering: Cover seedling trays with lids or cling film.

Tip: If you're sowing different varieties, be sure to label them! Otherwise, you'll quickly lose track.

Caution: A germination test is particularly advisable if you are using older or home-harvested seeds.

Germination test for tomato seeds – step by step

Paper towel method

Lightly moisten a piece of kitchen paper or a coffee filter.
Distribute some tomato seeds evenly on top.
Fold the paper or place it in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

Warm location

Store the seeds in a warm place at 22–24 °C (e.g., on a windowsill or above a radiator).

Control humidity

The paper should always be slightly damp, but not wet. If necessary, moisten it further with a spray bottle.

Observe germination

The first root buds should appear after 5–10 days.
If less than 50% of the seeds germinate, the germination rate is poor, and you should use fresh seeds.

Plant germinated seeds

Once enough seeds have germinated, you can carefully place them in potting soil.
This method helps you save space and time by only sowing viable seeds!
Put the tomatoes on the windowsill
The tomato seeds in the seedling tray on the windowsill

The seeds now need moisture, warmth, and light to germinate. The perfect spot for them is therefore on a windowsill in a bright location. The room temperature should be between 22 and 24 °C. Once the cotyledons appear, a lower room temperature of around 18 °C is more beneficial, as the tomato plants will then grow more compactly and not stretch as quickly.

Conclusion: Start Your Tomato Journey Today!

Growing tomatoes from seed is a rewarding experience that gives you full control over the process—from selecting the best varieties to nurturing them into healthy, fruitful plants. With the right care, sunlight, and patience, you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes that taste fresher and richer than store-bought ones.

Ready to begin your gardening adventure? Explore high-quality tomato and vegetable seeds from trusted sources and buy seeds online Pakistan to start growing your own lush tomato garden today!