Hi! I was wondering when other people in NEPA plant their started tomatoes outside? Also, does anyone have any good tips for hardening off heirloom tomatoes? Thanks!

clawgirl

hi there! i am in NE PA too! where you at? i started my seeds a few weeks ago actually. i didn't grow heirlooms but the past few years i've planted the others out early to mid may and have not had any problems. i usually start putting them outside a few weeks earlier and letting them sit on the porch in the sun for a few hours. i still bring them indoors at night. and then towards the end i might sit them in the garden and just leave them until i actually plant them. they've been happy so far.

I'm in Scranton, near the Poconos. I've been staggering the planting of my tomato seeds -- I planted the largest fruit varieties first. I just finished up with my cherry and currant varities. This is my first year growing my own tomatoes from seed, so I need all the help I can get! Thanks for your advice!

clawgirl

i LOVE growing tomaotes from seed. something about watching those first seedlings get their second set of leaves and then rubbing them and being able to smell "summer" in march i just love! i think there's more variety from seed too. i have friends who don't have the patience to grow from seed and just buy plants every year, but i get enjoyment from watching them grow from nothing and later being able to eat from them. i am growing 4 of july tomatoes, cherry and yellow pears this year. anyhow- i am in stroudsburg- not too far from you! the end of this week is supposed to be very nice! i can't wait! 60's they say! we'll see though.

I live in Western Pennsylvania.. If the weather permits, we sneak a few tomatoes out, around 15 of may.. My plants are abut 18 inches high now, from seeds.
I have them in a a cooler part of the house, and will take them out when we get about 60 degrees. On the porch .....and back in at nite.
Last 2 years I have tomatoes to eat in the winter , inside my house .......

dodge