Hey everyone! I'm a long-time reader but first-time poster here. I've got a raised bed that's now in its fifth year, but I've noticed a tree nearby has grown quite a bit taller, meaning my garden is currently only receiving about 4 hours of sunlight each day. I know that as the season progresses, I'll get more sun, but I'm wondering: is it okay to start my tomatoes now, or should I hold off until I can provide them around 6 hours of direct sunlight? Eventually, the whole bed should get over 8 hours. For reference, I'm in zone 10b, and my indeterminate tomatoes from last year are still producing like champs even in full sun!
1 Answer
It really depends on your location. For example, I’m in Chicago and I started my tomatoes on March 6. I kept them in a bright attic, and they germinated in just 5 days! Now they've been moved outside under a hoop, but we just had a snowstorm, so I'm holding my breath for them. But if you have warmth consistent in your zone, starting with 4 hours could work.
That’s awesome to hear! I'm in San Diego, and I've got loads of sprouts from last year's fallen tomatoes. I just transplant them wherever I want, and they usually thrive!