Tomato Dirt #300] Start seeds or buy tomato seedlings? The advantages of each

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Tomato Dirt #300] Start seeds or buy tomato seedlings? The advantages of each
January 11, 2024

Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 14, Number 1

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

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

Tomato Seed Sale Extended! Half-Price Through January 15

Each year, our friends at TomatoFest have a huge year-end sale on their tomato seeds. They have extended their annual sale until January 15. NOW is the time to get yours.

Choose from more than 320 favorite heirloom tomato varieties and tomato seed collections – up to 50% off regular retail prices during this once-a-year sale from our friends at TomatoFest.

Visit the TomatoFest store now to get best selection.

NEW! Check for tomato growing tips each day on our Facebook page

Here’s the dirt: Tomato Dirt’s long-standing Facebook page was recently hacked. For your safety and privacy, we closed it. But never fear! We’ve started a new page with good security.

You’re invited to like the page and get plenty of tomato growing tips. And please share the new page with other gardeners you know!

Hop on over to Facebook and click “Like” right now, while you’re thinking about it.

FEATURE: Start Plants from Seeds or Buy Tomato Seedlings?

Image: Tomato Dirt

It’s time for the Great Tomato Debate.

Each year, gardening enthusiasts face a crucial decision: should you start plants from seeds or take the easier route and buy ready-to-plant tomato seedlings?

It’s a longstanding debate among gardeners as to which is “best.”

In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve done each.

There have been spring seasons when our sunroom is filled with seedling trays and subsequently, when it’s time for re-potting, all manner of seedling containers from recycled yogurt cups to garden-center purchased quart containers.

My husband and I end up with hundreds (literally) of healthy tomato seedlings which we give away to family, friends, and neighbors – and reserve 30-40 for our own garden, of course.

But then other years, we are busy with ... Keep reading

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes: Bestseller in 89 Countries

THE tomato-growing Bible and best-seller in 89 countries: How to Grow Juicy Tomatoes. Two horticulturalists combine forces to give you advice about the right way to prune, fertilize, water and stake tomatoes.

You’ll be able to diagnose pest and disease problems using step by step priceless information, illustrated with 260 full color photos.

Get the book and you’ll also get 6 free bonuses, including the Family Tomato Cookbook and a database of 1300 varieties of tomatoes. More details here.

Tomato Growing Tip: Start tomatoes from seeds?

Image: Tomato Dirt

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

Some Tomato Dirt Faves for Starting Seeds


Seed Starter Set: all the essentials for staring seeds, including cell tray and heating mat	Seed sower to plant tiny seeds easily and accurately	Seed Starting Pot Maker – save money, make your own eco-friending seedling pots