What Time of Day Is Best to Plant Tomatoes? (2026)

The Gardeners Basics 16 Variety Heirloom Tomato Seeds pack is a delightful collection for any home gardener who wants to expand their tomato harvest beyond the standard grocery store options. It bundles 16 distinct heirloom varieties, including cherry types like Tiny Tim and Black Cherry, beefsteak slicers like Brandywine Pink and Cherokee Purple, plus Romas and paste tomatoes like San Marzano. Whether you are a seasoned grower or just starting out, this pack gives you a chance to try a broad spectrum of flavors, colors, and textures without buying multiple separate packets.

In terms of performance, customer feedback highlights consistently strong germination rates. Several reviewers noted achieving 98% to 100% germination when starting seeds indoors, and the resulting seedlings were described as vigorous and healthy. The inclusion of both determinate and indeterminate varieties means you can plan your garden layout with bush types for smaller spaces and vining types for larger trellises. Many users appreciated that the seeds are heirloom and non-GMO, allowing them to save seeds for the next season if they wish.

The build quality of the seed packets is straightforward, with each variety individually labeled. A nice bonus is the set of 16 free plant markers, which help you keep track of which tomato is which once they are in the ground. While the seed packets are not large, the total seed count is substantial enough for most home gardens, with some users reporting they ended up with over 70 viable plants from a single pack.

One honest drawback is that germination rates are not universally perfect. A few reviewers encountered lower success with certain varieties, and some packets seemed to have fewer seeds than expected. However, the majority of experiences are positive, and the company offers a refund if you aren't satisfied. Additionally, because the varieties range from tiny cherries to large beefsteaks, you'll need to provide appropriate support for indeterminate types and ensure enough spacing for the larger plants.

Overall, the Gardeners Basics 16 Variety Heirloom Tomato Seeds pack delivers excellent value for the price. It is ideal for anyone who wants to grow a diverse tomato garden with minimal effort in sourcing seeds. The high germination rates reported by most users, combined with the free markers and US-grown quality, make this a reliable and fun choice for the upcoming growing season. If you love homegrown tomatoes and want to explore new heirloom flavors, this pack is a solid investment.

The VerdantVigor 1,500+ Heirloom Tomato Seeds pack is a budget-friendly way to start a diverse tomato garden. With 10 varieties ranging from classic Roma to colorful Rainbow Mix, it caters to both salad lovers and paste enthusiasts. This kit is ideal for beginners or seasoned gardeners looking to expand their heirloom collection.

Key highlights include the non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds sourced in the USA, which means you can save seeds for future harvests. The high germination rate is a plus, though actual success depends on proper storage and care. The included growing guide and 10 plant markers make it easy to track varieties, whether you plant in soil, hydroponics, or containers.

The seeds come in a lightweight, resealable bag that protects them from moisture. The packaging is simple but functional, with clear variety labeling. While the seeds are small, the bag's closure helps maintain freshness when stored in a cool, dark place.

One drawback is the lack of customer reviews, so germination claims are unverified. Also, some specialty varieties like Zebra or Rainbow Mix may have slower or less uniform germination. Additionally, the 1.6-ounce package contains 1,500+ seeds, which is generous, but you'll need to plan for adequate space to grow them all.

Overall, the VerdantVigor 1,500+ Tomato Seeds pack offers excellent value for the price. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting to experiment with multiple heirloom tomato types without breaking the bank. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful tomatoes from spring to fall.

The Burpee Early Girl tomato seeds offer a fantastic option for home gardeners who want a head start on the season. These seeds grow into robust indeterminate vines that begin producing fruit in as little as 59 days after transplanting, making them one of the earliest slicing tomatoes available. The 5 oz fruits are meaty and flavorful, perfect for topping burgers or enjoying fresh off the vine. Each packet contains 50 non-GMO seeds, and Burpee boasts a germination rate 35% higher than industry standards, so you can expect a strong start.

In real-world gardens, Early Girl tomatoes deliver consistent yields from early summer right up until frost. The indeterminate habit means the vines keep growing and producing, so you can harvest over several months. The plants reach about 55 inches tall with a 52 inch spread, so they benefit from sturdy tomato cages or stakes. Regular watering and full sun are key to maximizing flavor and fruit size. While the seeds are hybrid, they have been bred for excellent performance and disease resistance in home garden conditions.

Burpee has been a trusted name in gardening since 1876, and this product reflects that heritage. The seeds are hand-picked by expert horticulturalists and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The packet includes clear instructions for indoor starting and hardening off. One minor drawback is that indeterminate varieties require some ongoing maintenance, like pruning and support. However, the reward of fresh, early tomatoes is well worth the effort.

There are currently no user reviews for this specific listing, but the Burpee brand has a strong track record. If you are looking for a reliable early tomato that keeps producing, Early Girl is a proven choice. The 50-seed packet offers good value, especially if you plan to share or plant in succession. For best results, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost and use a quality seed starting system.

Verdict: Burpee Early Girl tomato seeds are a solid investment for any home gardener who values an early, abundant harvest of slicing tomatoes. With high germination rates, a trusted brand, and a focus on flavor and productivity, they deliver exactly what the name promises. Just be prepared to provide support and consistent care for the indeterminate vines, and you will enjoy fresh tomatoes all summer long.

The Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin series has long been a favorite among home gardeners for its no-nonsense, focused approach. This edition, 'Grow the Best Tomatoes,' is exactly what you would expect: a compact, information-packed guide that cuts through the fluff. Aimed at both beginners and seasoned growers, it delivers straightforward advice on getting the most out of your tomato plants.

What sets this bulletin apart is its practicality. It doesn't just tell you to water your plants; it explains how to create the ideal growing conditions, from soil pH to temperature ranges. The sections on starting seeds indoors and building trellises are particularly useful. You get clear, step-by-step instructions that feel like advice from a knowledgeable neighbor rather than a textbook.

Design-wise, the booklet is modest. It's a simple paperback with a sturdy cover and standard print. While it lacks glossy photos or fancy diagrams, the text is well-organized and easy to follow. For a reference you can take right into the garden, this format works well. The only real downside is its brevity. Some topics, like pest management or advanced pruning, are only touched on briefly.

If you are looking for a deep dive into tomato science, this might feel too basic. But for most home gardeners, it hits the sweet spot. It gives you the essential knowledge to avoid common mistakes and boost your harvest. The preservation tips at the end are a nice bonus, helping you make the most of your crop.

Overall, this is a reliable, affordable resource that delivers on its promise. It won't replace a full-length gardening book, but as a quick-reference guide, it is hard to beat. If you want to grow better tomatoes without getting overwhelmed, this bulletin is a smart addition to your gardening library.

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: January 10, 1998
Edition: Updated
Language: English
Print Length: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1580171575
ISBN-13: 978-1580171571
Item Weight: 1.59 ounces
Dimensions: 5.65 x 0.5 x 8.55 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #193,676 in Books; #61 in Fruit Gardening; #212 in Canning & Preserving; #223 in Vegetable Gardening

The Burpee Big Rainbow Heirloom tomato is a standout choice for gardeners who love big, flavorful slicing tomatoes. This variety produces hefty fruits that often tip the scales at 22 ounces, with a striking red-and-yellow marbled interior that looks as good as it tastes. The flavor is mild and sweet, making it a perfect complement to other tomato varieties on a platter or in salads.

These seeds are certified organic and non-GMO, with Burpee's promise of germination rates 35% higher than industry standards. That means you can expect a strong, healthy start for your plants. The indeterminate vines grow tall (around 36 inches) and need support from stakes or cages, but they keep producing fruit all summer long. Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost is recommended, and the included tips make the process straightforward even for beginners.

One of the biggest draws here is the heirloom status. You get a classic beefsteak with a flavor profile that's hard to beat, and you can save seeds for future seasons. The main trade-off is the 85-day maturity period, which is longer than many hybrid tomatoes. But for many gardeners, that wait is worth it for the size and taste. Just be ready to water regularly and provide full sun for best results.

Overall, the Burpee Big Rainbow Heirloom tomato is a solid investment for anyone who loves fresh, homegrown tomatoes. It's reliable, productive, and delivers beautiful, delicious fruit that's a joy to grow and eat. If you have the space and patience, this one's a winner.

Epic Tomatoes by Craig LeHoullier is more than just a gardening manual; it is a love letter to the tomato. Aimed at both novice and seasoned gardeners, this book delivers an encyclopedic look at over 200 tomato varieties. LeHoullier, a respected tomato expert, shares his decades of experience in a conversational tone that makes complex topics feel approachable. The book systematically covers everything from selecting the right seeds to dealing with common pests, all while celebrating the joy of growing your own food.

The standout feature is the sheer breadth of tomato profiles. Each variety is described with its color, size, flavor, and best use, accompanied by vivid photographs that practically jump off the page. Readers have praised these images as both inspiring and educational. The book also includes practical growing advice tailored to different climates, as well as tips for container gardening and straw bale methods. The 'Ten Tastiest Tomatoes' list is a fan favorite, helping gardeners zero in on the most rewarding picks.

The design is top notch. The large format (8.6 x 10.85 inches) allows for big, clear photos and easy-to-read text. The author organizes information logically, with charts that compare characteristics at a glance. While the physical copy is heavy (2.31 pounds), the quality of the glossy paper and binding justifies the weight. A few buyers noted a strong chemical smell from the ink, but this appears to be an isolated issue and dissipates over time.

Drawbacks are minor. The book is only available in English, which limits its audience. Some readers might wish for more detailed regional guides, though LeHoullier's two-climate experience (North Carolina and Pennsylvania) offers broad insights. Also, the large size may not fit well on a small bookshelf. However, these are small trade-offs for such a comprehensive resource.

Overall, Epic Tomatoes is an essential addition to any gardener's library. It consistently earns high praise for its depth, clarity, and passion. If you are serious about growing outstanding tomatoes, this book will save you time, money, and frustration. It is a worthwhile investment that pays off with every harvest.

If you're looking to grow fresh cherry tomatoes but don't have a sprawling garden, the SVI Tiny Tim Tomato Seeds offer a smart solution. These heirloom seeds produce compact, dwarf plants that top out at 18 to 36 inches tall. They're made for containers, patios, and even indoor setups like hydroponic systems. This variety is ideal for apartment dwellers, first-time growers, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance tomato plant that still delivers a heavy harvest.

The standout feature here is the combination of compact growth and early, productive yield. From transplant, Tiny Tim tomatoes are ready to pick in about 60 days. The plants produce dense clusters of 1-inch cherry tomatoes that are noticeably sweet. And because they're determinate, you get all your fruit at once - great for making sauces, salads, or snacking. No staking needed, either; the plant supports itself.

Seed quality is solid. Germination typically happens within 7 to 10 days when started indoors under consistent moisture and warmth. The seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom stock, so you can save seeds from your best plants for next season. The packet itself is straightforward and holds 35 seeds - enough for a few containers or a small raised bed. Just be mindful that these plants demand full sun and moderate watering to thrive. They're not suited for shady spots or neglectful watering schedules.

Are there drawbacks? The 35-count packet might feel skimpy if you plan a large garden. And while the dwarf habit is convenient, total fruit volume is lower than what you'd get from a sprawling indeterminate vine. That's expected for this type of plant. Also, like most tomatoes, Tiny Tim needs warmth and light; indoor growers will need a sunny windowsill or grow lights.

Overall, the SVI Tiny Tim Tomato Seeds deliver on their promise: compact, early, and sweet. They're an excellent choice for container gardeners, beginners, and anyone who wants fresh cherry tomatoes without dedicating a lot of space. The 5-star rating from verified buyers reflects that reliability. For small-space gardeners, this is a top pick.

The HOME GROWN Beefsteak Tomato Seed Pack brings you 300 heirloom, non-GMO seeds perfect for gardeners who want a reliable, high-yield crop of large, meaty tomatoes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grower, this pack is designed to produce fruits that can weigh up to 2 pounds each. They are ideal for slicing onto burgers, adding to salads, or turning into homemade sauces and salsas.

Standout features include built-in resistance to fusarium and verticillium wilt, which reduces the risk of common tomato diseases. The seeds are easy to start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors in full sun. With regular watering and support from cages or trellises, these vigorous indeterminate vines keep producing until the first frost. The heirloom status means you can save seeds from your best fruits for next season, preserving that classic beefsteak taste.

In terms of real-world performance, expect a generous harvest if you provide consistent care. The plants grow up to 6 feet tall, so staking is a must. Pollinators like bees will visit the flowers, helping your garden ecosystem. Some gardeners note that the seeds need warm soil and careful watering to avoid blossom end rot, a common issue with large tomatoes. Overall, the seeds are well-suited for diverse climates across USDA zones 3-11.

A potential drawback is that this pack is not labeled organic, though it is non-GMO and heirloom. Additionally, indeterminate varieties demand more space and support than compact bush types. If you have limited room or prefer container gardening, you might need extra trellising. But for most home gardens, these seeds are a solid choice.

Verdict: The HOME GROWN Beefsteak Tomato Seed Pack offers excellent value for the number of seeds and their quality. With proper care, you will enjoy a steady supply of delicious, giant tomatoes all summer. It is a practical, low-cost way to grow your own produce and experience the satisfaction of a homegrown BLT.