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How to Grow Tomatoes Indoors – Step-by-Step Guide

  • Posted by Helena Hedson November 7, 2025 Filed in Entertainment #online plant nursery Pakistan  #buy seeds online Pakistan  49 views
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    Tomatoes love bright light and typically need around 12–16 hours of consistent illumination each day to grow strong and healthy. However, most windowsills simply don’t provide that much light, especially during cloudy days or in small indoor spaces. That’s why I always recommend using grow lights when starting tomato seeds. Ever since I began using them, my tomato seedlings have never been as strong, straight, and vibrant as they are now! Grow lights simulate natural sunlight, giving the plants the perfect conditions to thrive even in low-light environments.

    If you’re planning to start your own tomato garden and don’t have access to a sunny spot, this method is ideal. You can even order all your supplies—like seeds, soil, and pots—from an online plant nursery Pakistan, which offers a variety of high-quality gardening essentials. By choosing the right lighting setup and sourcing your materials online, you can easily nurture healthy tomato plants indoors, no matter the season.

    Sowing and starting tomatoes indoors: The right care

    Pricked out small tomato plants in a slightly larger pot. You should open the lids on the seedling pots for about 2 hours each day to allow air exchange and prevent mold from forming.

    • The soil should always be kept moist, but not wet.

    • Once the cotyledons appear, the lid can be removed.

    • Once the second pair of leaves has formed, the seedlings will need more space. Now it's time to prick them out, meaning to separate them and plant them in larger pots (at least 8 cm in diameter) filled with regular organic potting soil. I simply use old herb pots for this.

    • RetroCats tomato plants are growing in the larger pots.

    • I regularly take my pre-grown plants outside and then back inside.

    Depending on the outside temperature, I'm now regularly taking the pots with the tomato seedlings outside and letting them get some fresh air during the day. The light conditions are much better there, and the plants can get used to the outdoors. At night and on really cold days, they naturally stay in the warm house for a while longer.

    RetroCats tomato plants in a raised bed

    RetroCats tomato plants in large mortar tubs: Affordable and large planter

    From about mid-May onwards, they can go outside permanently. They can go into the greenhouse earlier. However, I wait until at least mid-April and check the weather forecast to make sure it's warm enough.

    Tip: If your tomatoes are already outdoors and unexpectedly very cold temperatures are forecast again, you can simply cover them with fleece overnight.

    Important

    The tomato plants now need plenty of space. You can either plant them directly in the vegetable patch or use containers. I personally have a two-tiered raised bed with room for three tomato plants and herbs "on top." The remaining plants go in large mortar tubs, into which we simply drilled a few holes in the bottom. These are very inexpensive and do the job perfectly. My tomato raised bed already has trellises, while we use special plant supports in the mortar tubs. After about a week outdoors, the tomatoes should be fertilized for the first time. There are several options for fertilizing. In addition to special organic tomato fertilizers, horn shavings or dried coffee grounds are also possibilities.

    A wild bee on a sunflower

    Furthermore, we mustn't forget bees and bumblebees as pollinators. So, planting a few bee-friendly plants and flowers nearby certainly won't hurt. You can find some tips for a bee-friendly balcony in this article. Of course, you can also apply these suggestions to your garden.

    Tomato plants 

    Tomato plants are healthier and produce a better yield when protected from rain. Therefore, a greenhouse or tomato house is the ideal place for them. However, they also generally thrive on sheltered house walls with sufficient light and sunshine. Those who cannot offer their tomatoes such a sheltered spot should choose special outdoor varieties from their seeds. These are more robust and cope better with the weather. Good companion plants for tomatoes include basil, lettuce, strawberries, and bush beans. Onions and garlic also thrive alongside tomatoes.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Starting Tomatoes From Seed (FAQ)

    When is the best time to sow tomatoes?

    The ideal time to start tomatoes indoors is from the end of February to mid-March. Without a greenhouse, you should start later so the plants don't get too big before they can be moved outdoors.

    Which soil is best suited for growing seeds?

    It's best to use loose, nutrient-poor potting soil. This promotes root development and reduces the risk of mold or disease. Regular potting soil is less suitable for seedlings because it often contains too many nutrients.

    Why aren't my tomato seeds germinating?

    This can have several reasons:

    • Temperature too low: Tomato seeds germinate best at 22–24 °C.

    • Too much or too little water: The soil should be moist, but not wet.

    • Seeds buried too deep: Tomato seeds should only be lightly covered with soil.

    • Seeds no longer viable: If the seeds were not stored correctly or are already very old, they may no longer be viable.

    Do I need to prick out the tomato plants?

    Yes, as soon as the second pair of leaves has formed, the young plants should be separated (pricked out) and transplanted into larger pots. This gives them more space for strong root growth.

    Why are my tomato plants growing too long and thin?

    If your tomato plants are growing weakly, long and thin (so-called "etiolated" plants), this is usually due to one of the following factors:

    Insufficient light

    Tomatoes need plenty of light after germination. If they are in a dark location, they will stretch towards the light source and become thin and weak. A grow light or a bright spot right by the window will remedy this.

    Excessive temperatures

    After germination, the temperature should be reduced to approximately 16–18 °C. Too much heat causes the plants to grow too quickly in height without developing enough strength for stable stems.

    Too close a planting

    If the plants are too close together, they compete for light and grow taller to outdo each other. When pricking out seedlings, make sure each plant has enough space.

    Solution: Place the plants in a brighter, cooler location and don't overwater them. If they've become too leggy, you can repot them deeper – tomatoes will grow new roots along the stem!

    When can the tomatoes be put outside?

    Tomatoes should only be permanently planted outdoors from around mid-May onwards, once there is no longer a risk of frost (sometimes after the Ice Saints), as they are sensitive to frost. Those with a greenhouse can plant them earlier, but should ensure sufficient warmth.

    How do I acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions?

    The young plants should be hardened off gradually:

    • Start at least 1-2 weeks before planting out by placing the plants outside for a few hours during the day.

    • Increase the duration daily, but protect it from direct midday sun and strong winds.

    Which neighbors get along well with tomatoes?

    Tomatoes go well with basil, lettuce, strawberries, onions, and bush beans. However, they should not be planted next to potatoes or fennel, as these can inhibit their growth.

    What can you make with your tomatoes?

    • Making your own tomato sauce – it's so easy!

    • Summer tomato tart!

    • Crispy tarte flambée with cherry tomatoes and arugula – here's how to make it!

    • Springtime pasta with asparagus and tomato sauce 

    • Classic Pasta Napoli – it's so quick to make!

    Are you interested in growing vegetables on your balcony? Then this balcony gardening guide is just right for you. Balcony gardening is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables right outside your door. Whether you have a small space or just a few pots, you can grow tomatoes, herbs, chilies, or leafy greens with the right soil, sunlight, and care. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about eating healthier and creating a calming green corner in your home.

    Conclusion

    With a little planning and creativity, your balcony can become a mini vegetable paradise. Start small, experiment with easy-to-grow plants, and watch how quickly your efforts pay off. Gardening brings relaxation, freshness, and the joy of harvesting your own produce. Ready to begin your green journey? Get started today and buy seeds online Pakistan from trusted nurseries that offer a wide range of organic and hybrid varieties. Your balcony garden is just a few clicks away from blooming into life!