Do I have to start seeds inside?

Question

My dad always starts his tomatoes indoors. Can I just plant the seeds outside? I live in Wisconsin. Also, when do I plant them?

I know I've gotten a lot of answers already, but I would like to add that I am NOT just speaking of tomatoes. It seems ridiculus to start all my different seeds indoors. beans, peas, squash, cantelope, onions, carrots...

Answer 1

i would start them inside using regular cheap walmart plastic 3oz.mouthwash cups. with vegetable potting soil.most tomatos arent cold tolerant.use cheap 4 foot.fluoresant grow bulbs at walmart in your regular $10 light fixture or set them near a window.since your growing season is short,this jumpstart will give good results. do not start them too soon-big mistake!!! you only want them to grow between 5-7" high then transplant them outside. plant them at least 45deg. angle an inch or more beneath the potting soil. CAGE and watch grow. some people use Sunoco red plastic mulch, with good results.higher yield...you have to CONTROL THE WEEDS anyway.

Answer 2

You can plant tomatoes outside, but you will have to wait longer for them to produce fruit. The reason behind that statement is when you plant tomatoes indoors the seeds will germinate in 7-10 days, then are ready to transplant outdoors in about 6-8 weeks. Since you need to wait until the night air is above 50 degree to plant outdoors you will be behind the 6-8 weeks you could have had them growing indoors. As far as when you plant depends on which zone you are in. When you buy your seeds there will be a map on the back of the package remaining the appropriate time to plant them

Answer 3

Tomatoes are best started before the last frost. To do this you can get a wooden "flat". It's a box of ant size bottom, but only about two inches deep. Put good soil in the box and plant the seeds. The box can be kept anywhere that's well above freezing. When the plants begin growing, be sure the box is in good light.
When you're quite sure that there will be no more freezing or frosty weather, the plants can be separated and planted in the garden. If you prefer, you can use regular flower pots instead of the wooden flat. Plant three or four seeds in each pot. When the plants are about three inches tall pinch out the weaker plants, leaving only one. Plant out when it's safe.

Answer 4

It can be far easier to buy tomatos plants in May and plant them anytime between the first weekend in May until Memorial Day depending on where you live in Wisconsin. The farther south you live and if you live on Lake Michigan, you can plant earlier in the month. However, growing plants yourself from seeds is fun and rewarding. You can find more types of tomatos as seeds than you can normally find locally as plants. If you're starting from seeds, mid-March (this weekend) is a good time to begin.

Answer 5

The yield is better if you can get them jumpstarted indoors, especially in WI. If you start them later in the season, you may find your plant hitting it's stride in terms of production right when the frost comes in the fall. Start them early indoors and you'll get more tomatoes.
In terms of placing them outside, the package will tell you what zone you're in and therefore when it's safe to transplant them outside. Probably sometime in late May.
I live in Boston, also a cold climate, and my tomatoes have already sprouted. I'll be ready to transplant to a bigger pot soon, then outdoors in May.

Answer 6

The reason to start seeds inside is to get a jump on the growing season. If you want to do it outside, that is fine but you must be aware of the possibility of a frost or cold snap, and will need to wait till the weather in your area is warm enough.
Personally, I buy mine in six packs and do not bother nursing seedlings.

Answer 7

it is smart to start the tomato seeds inside at the end of April. if you don't want to then in the beginning of July go to a green house and buy a plant there and then put it in your garden...

Answer 8

it depends on the plant and what time of the year it is (the season primarily)

normally the back of the package will tell you whats best for the seeds.

if not, they are tons of gardening website out there.

Answer 9

you will get more fruit and healthier plants if you star them indoors! i live in SW MI, i start mine in april, put them out around memorial day, the plants should be 3-6wks old, and hardened by then!

Answer 10

You can start them outside as long as its warm enough, however in your cold climate it might be better to start them inside. They would have a better chance of surviving.