Tomato Seeds,
Black Strawberry

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, typically in late spring. Make sure that temperatures don’t drop below 60 F to avoid stress on young plants. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in a seed-starting mix. Keep the soil temperature between 70-80 F for optimal germination, which takes 7-14 days. You can use a heat mat to help with this. When transplanting, space the plants about 24 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Prune by removing suckers and excess foliage to improve air circulation and direct energy toward fruit production. Fertilize regularly using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or an organic alternative. Monitor for common pests such as aphids and hornworms, applying organic pest control if needed.

• Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
• On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
• For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
• Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.