Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 8, Number 2

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

Welcome back to Tomato Dirt! A couple of times a month, we’ll send you this newsletter packed with tips about growing tomatoes and using them.

Ready to Start Tomatoes?

Tomato Dirt is on Pinterest!

FEATURE: What You Need to Start and Grow Tomatoes Indoors

Image: www.smalltraygardening.net

In the northern hemisphere, summer has turned to fall (and in some cases, winter.) But tomato gardeners need not despair! You can continue to enjoy fresh, luscious tomatoes throughout the cold months by growing them indoors.

You need just a few things …

• An environment
  A windowsill, grow lights, or a greenhouse. All three can work.
• Light
  Indoor tomatoes require 12-16 hours of light a day. Even plants in a sunny window or in a greenhouse may need a few extra hours under grow lights during winter's short days.
• Heat
  Indoor tomatoes grow best when the air temperature is between 65º-85ºF. If your house thermostat is set lower, your house is drafty, or your greenhouse isn't heated, keep plants warm with a space heater or seedling heat mat.
• The right variety
  Cherry or plum tomato indeterminate varieties perform best indoors. Small fruited plants (cherry or plum tomatoes) produce a large number of fruit and ripen quickly. Indeterminates continue to grow throughout the winter and will produce fruit in abundance.

Get more helpful details about growing tomatoes indoors here -- plus check out some FAQs about indoor tomatoes.

And be sure to check out some helpful pointers and visuals on our Growing Indoor Tomatoes Pinterest board.

Yep, There's a Seed Starting Kit for That

Deep-root growing kits … quick start seed kits … special potting mixes. Yep, there's a kit for that!

We love how you can get replacement parts for seed starting trays, too. Our good friends at Gardener's Supply have all kinds of seed starting gear and will answer your questions, too.

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes

Tomato Growing Tip: Make Sure Your Grow Lights Are Adjustable

Image: Tomato Dirt

Get more tips for growing tomatoes on our Tomato Growing Tips Pinterest board.

Start and Grow Tomatoes Indoors

Tabletop grow light kits - makes it easy to start and grow tomatoes	Germination mat - keeps seeds warm during seed starting from Hydrofarm	Indoor grow lights to start tomato seeds from Gardener's Supply, others

More Tips for Starting and Growing Tomatoes Indoors