FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. When should I start tomato seeds indoors in Metro Vancouver?
A. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to transplant outside. For Metro Vancouver, most gardeners set plants out in late May to early June, so sow seeds in early to mid March. Adjust for your microclimate and grow under lights if natural light is limited.
Q. What temperature do tomato seeds need to germinate, and how long does it take?
A. Aim for 75 to 85 F (24 to 29 C) at the seed level for fast, even germination. A heat mat helps. Seeds usually sprout in 4 to 10 days. Remove any humidity dome as soon as most seeds have sprouted to reduce damping off.
Q. How deep should I sow tomato seeds, and what mix should I use?
A. Sow about 1/4 inch deep (6 mm) in a sterile, fine seed-starting mix. Place 1 to 2 seeds per cell or small pot, then thin to the strongest seedling. Keep the mix evenly moist, not soggy.
Q. How much light do tomato seedlings need?
A. Provide 14 to 16 hours of bright light daily. Keep fluorescent or LED grow lights 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) above the leaf tops and raise the lights as plants grow. A small fan on low improves stem strength and air movement.
Q. My seedlings are tall and leggy. What should I do?
A. Move lights closer, increase light intensity or hours, and lower the temperature after germination to about 60 to 65 F (16 to 18 C) at night. Repot deeper, burying the stem up to the first leaves so new roots form along the stem.
Q. When can I transplant tomatoes outside in the Pacific Northwest?
A. Transplant when nights stay above 50 F (10 C) and soil is at least 60 F (16 C). In Metro Vancouver this is usually late May to early June. Harden off plants for 7 to 10 days by gradually increasing outdoor exposure before planting.
Q. How far apart should I plant tomatoes, and what size containers work?
A. Space plants 24 to 30 inches apart (60 to 75 cm) with 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) between rows. For containers, use at least 5 gallons for compact determinate types and 10 to 15+ gallons for indeterminates, with pots 12 to 20 inches wide. Ensure good drainage.
Q. What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?
A. Determinate plants are bushy, set most fruit in a short window, and suit containers and cages. Indeterminate plants keep vining and producing until frost, needing taller stakes or trellises and regular pruning to manage size.
Q. What does “days to maturity” mean for tomatoes here?
A. It is counted from transplanting outdoors to the first ripe fruit. In our cool-summer area, choose earlier varieties listed at 55 to 70 days for outdoor beds. Longer-season types can work under cover or in a greenhouse.
Q. How should I water tomatoes?
A. Provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (including rain), more in hot spells. Water deeply and less often to encourage deep roots. Water in the morning and keep leaves dry to limit disease. Containers may need daily watering in warm weather.
Q. How should I fertilize tomatoes, and what soil pH is best?
A. Mix in compost at planting and use a tomato fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen. Feed at transplant, again at first flowers, then every 3 to 4 weeks as label directs. Ideal soil pH is 6.2 to 6.8. Mulch 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) after soil warms.
Q. How can I prevent late blight and other diseases in the Pacific Northwest?
A. Use resistant or tolerant varieties, space plants well, prune for airflow, and avoid overhead watering. A simple clear roof or cover helps keep rain off leaves. Rotate nightshades for 3 years, remove volunteer potatoes or tomatoes, and promptly discard infected plants in the trash.
Q. What tomato varieties perform well in Metro Vancouver?
A. Reliable early choices include Stupice, Early Girl, Siletz, Oregon Spring, and cherries like Sungold or Sweet Million. For blight tolerance consider Mountain Magic. Paste types like Roma and San Marzano can work outdoors in a warm spot or under cover for best results.
Q. How should I stake and prune tomatoes?
A. Use sturdy stakes, cages, or a trellis. Tie stems with soft ties every 8 to 12 inches. For indeterminates, remove some suckers to one or two main stems for airflow and easier support. Prune determinate types lightly so you do not reduce yield.
Q. How can I prevent blossom end rot?
A. Keep soil moisture steady with deep, regular watering and mulch. Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, maintain pH near 6.5, and do not damage roots during cultivation. Blossom end rot is mainly a calcium uptake issue caused by uneven moisture, not usually a lack of calcium in the soil.
Q. Can I save seeds from tomatoes, and how?
A. Yes, from open-pollinated or heirloom plants. Scoop seeds from fully ripe fruit, ferment in a jar with a little water for 2 to 3 days, then rinse and dry thoroughly on a labeled paper or coffee filter. Store cool, dark, and dry.
Q. How long do tomato seeds stay viable, and how should I store them?
A. Tomato seeds commonly remain viable 4 to 6 years. Store in an airtight container with a desiccant in the refrigerator, away from temperature swings. For a quick test, sprout 10 seeds on a damp paper towel; 8 or more sprouting suggests good viability.
Q. What pests should I watch for, and how can I manage them?
A. In our area, monitor for aphids, whiteflies, slugs on seedlings, and occasionally cutworms. Use row cover on young plants, handpick, knock pests off with water, and encourage beneficial insects. Keep the area weeded and remove plant debris to reduce pest and disease habitat.
Q. Can I grow tomatoes under cover or in a greenhouse here?
A. Yes. A greenhouse or simple rain cover improves reliability by keeping foliage dry and raising temperature. Vent daily for airflow, avoid high humidity, and water in the morning. With cover, you can often transplant 2 to 4 weeks earlier, watching for cold nights.
Q. How many tomato plants do I need?
A. As a guide, 2 to 3 indeterminate slicers plus 1 to 2 cherry plants supply fresh eating for a household of 2 to 4. For sauce or canning, add 4 to 8 paste plants. Adjust based on how often you harvest and your available space.