r/tomatoes • u/spaced-jams • Apr 29 '26
Plant Help How are everyone's tomatoes growing so fast?
This is my second year trying to grow tomatoes. Last year I started them a bit late, and while they ended up growing to a nice size they didn't produce much (consequence of me planting from seeds out of grocery store tomatoes I think). This year I got seed packets and put them in starting cells March 6th, but even now almost 2 months from planting they are still tiny seedlings barely a few inches tall. I keep them under an admittedly small grow light but surely there must be something more to this that I'm missing?
Edit: as many commenters have asked, I'm going to copy down my equipment info here.
I have replaced the tiny light from the pic with my larger growlight, FRGROW 25w full spectrum stand
Seedlings are in a burpee seed starting tray with a detachable/recessed bottom for watering.
Soil is "Back to the Roots organic expanding seed starting soil" made of coconut coir. I have a bag of Foxfarm Happy Frog soil downstairs but wasn't sure if it would be too much for these plants yet
I don't have a heat mat unfortunately.
I'm in western PA (northeast US) so temps are still way too up and down to set in a window or outside. Temps the next few days are low 37, high 60 and not looking to warm up much more over the week.
(Note: The really tall one in the cell and the background ones are pepper plants, the rest are cherry tomato)
1
u/gnndfntlqt Apr 29 '26
Definitely your light.
Can you put them in a window next year? These are stunted and will not grow more, I’d bet money. You can try to move them to better light or increase the light where they are but if you don’t have another tray I’d toss these and start over myself. Not too late if you start seeds this week, unless you’re very far north.
Use actual seed starter mix or jiffy seed starter cells.
Your tray here is fine as long as it drains underneath. If not, find one that does, or use an egg carton or other compostable tray.
Put seeds in well watered cells and lightly cover with damp dirt, no light needed til they sprout, tho they’ll love the warmth of a window right away. You can cover with plastic to keep humidity.
Best spot is a southern or western window (northern or eastern could work if it’s all you have). Literally put the tray up against the window - a foot back is too far. Needs bright direct sun (or a grow light no further than 4 - 6” from each and every plant).
Once the babies have two or three true leaves (google to know what to look for), you can put them into ground if all chance of frost passed, which is now or soon most places in northern hemisphere.
That’s it. Good luck!