How to Repot Tomato Seedlings for Healthier and More Productive Plants

Homegrown Tomatoes

There is nothing more satisfying to a home gardener than picking a lush bounty of produce during the growing season -- especially when it comes to harvesting vine-ripened tomatoes.

Homegrown tomatoes taste sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts.

Plus, they are packed with a higher nutritional content than you can find anywhere else.

Ready to experience the joy that comes from collecting an overflowing basket of tomatoes grown in your very own yard?

Here are our best tips for repotting tomato seedlings at home for healthier and more productive plants this coming season.

How to Care for Tomato Seedlings

There are 9 crucial steps to take when caring for your tomato seedlings:

1. Keep the soil moist consistently. Do not allow your plants to get waterlogged.
2. Ensure your plants get 14-16 hours of indirect sunlight throughout the day.
3. Maintain the temperature your plants are exposed to. The ideal environment for tomato seedlings is 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
4. Use stakes or cages to support your tomato seedlings as they grow.
5. Begin using a balanced fertilizer once true leaves start to appear.
6. Transplant seedlings into larger containers following proper spacing recommendations.
7. Pinch off suckers and remove yellowing leaves.
8. Prevent disease by keeping foliage and stem bases dry.
9. Address pests or diseases promptly.

Tomato Seed and True Leaves

Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Container gardening comes with many benefits, such as making available growing space more efficient and allowing you to move plants to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day easily.

Of course, choosing the right pot for tomatoes is essential for successful growth.

To find the best container for your transferred seedlings, find ones that are a minimum of 5 gallons in size, made of breathable materials—like terra cotta and bamboo—and have adequate drainage holes.

If container gardening isn’t right for you, consider trench planting instead.

How to Transplant Tomato Seedlings

Be sure to harden off seedlings to reduce transplant shock before transplanting.

Tomato seedling repotting is made much easier when following these 8 steps:

1. Water seedlings a few hours before repotting.
2. Fill new pots with nutrient-rich potting soil.
3. Handle seedlings gently, providing support to delicate stems and leaves.
4. Gently loosen the root system.
5. Plant seedlings at the appropriate depth and spacing.
6. Gently tamp down the soil around the base of the seedlings.
7. Water the seedlings immediately after repotting.

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When to Transplant Tomato Seedlings

Transplanting tomato seedlings is best done once they have grown their first set of true leaves and are approximately 2-4 inches tall.

This typically occurs 2-3 weeks after germination, so be sure to monitor their progress carefully during this time.

Healthy Tomato Plants

Healthier tomato plants lead to higher yields, and the trick to growing the healthiest of tomato plants is mastering the art of transplanting your seedlings.

By using the tips listed above, you will know exactly how to transplant tomato seedlings, when to transplant tomato seedlings, and which containers are the best choice for container gardening at home.