Grow Beautiful Tomatoes Indoors

When  growing tomatoes we usually think of a big outdoor garden - laid out with  a large variety of different vegetables.  The big issue  is that not everyone has enough outdoor space to be able  to have an outdoor garden.
The thing is that  growing tomatoes indoors  can be done  as easily  as growing them outdoors and it comes with  benefits  as well.

Choosing the appropriate variety of tomato  is essential when growing tomatoes  indoors.  You need to select a species that  will not grow too big or you will quickly run out of room. If  you choose to grow  tomatoes from seed -  check the directions on the  seed package for growing instructions etc. If you  grow tomatoes from seedlings – check with  the nursery about which varieties can be grown indoors.

Some people have success growing  tomatoes indoors using natural sunlight but it is unlikely. For this reason,  you will most likely need artificial light with the correct light spectrum to ensure successful indoor gardening.

Growing Tomatoes Indoors Criteria

The big three criteria you need to remember when growing tomatoes indoors  is moisture,  heat and light. Tomatoes will require moist soil which is not difficult to do.  On average,  water your tomato plants approximately  an inch of water per  week once they have been placed  into  larger pots. Make sure the pot  has drainage holes  to eliminate the chance for  water to accumulate on the bottom which will lead to root rot. Use the correct  growing medium.  The ideal growing medium is  equal quantities of sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite  and perlite.

Ideal temperature is around 25 degrees celsius and a night time temperature of 20  degrees celsius. The last issue of the big three criteria  is lighting. You will read and hear different   reports on this but it is best  to simulate the outdoors as much as possible so typically provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness which works well.

Naturally you can experiment with the timing especially during fruiting where less light will generally bring on better fruit.  This will allow you to  find what is right for you and your tomatoes.  When  you  alternate light and dark it is best to incorporate a timer to automate this  process.

Growing tomatoes indoors can be very productive. If you live in an apartment,   townhouse or other living situation that does not have  the  necessary outdoor space, you now have the option.  The great  benefit is that  when  growing  tomatoes indoors - weeds and pests are less likely to invade  your growing space which will allow  you to focus your energy on caring for your plants. The  biggest benefit  is the peace of mind you will get from growing  organic tomatoes that will taste so much better than anything you can buy.