Many people love beefsteak tomatoes because they are big and meaty. But the right way to plant is important for getting healthy seedlings and good germination rates. It’s important to think about how many beefsteak tomato seeds to plant in each hole or cell. It’s tempting to plant a lot of seeds close together to get the most tomatoes, but this can backfire and make plants that are too crowded and prone to disease. The strongest, healthiest plants will come from following good spacing guidelines.
Here is a full guide on how to find the best rate of beefsteak tomato seeds per hole or container.
Start Seeds Indoors for Best Results
For starters, it’s highly recommended to begin beefsteak tomatoes from seed indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Using a quality seed starting mix in containers or trays allows close monitoring and protection of young seedlings. The warm, controlled environment indoors gives seeds the gentle conditions they need to thrive right from the beginning.
Sow Seeds in Individual Cells or Containers
Rather than direct sowing beefsteak seeds in the garden, start them in individual cells or small containers. This prevents root disturbance later when separating seedlings. It also avoids overcrowding.
1-2 Seeds Per Cell is Ideal
Plant only one to two beefsteak tomato seeds in each cell or container, depending on how fast you think they will sprout. This keeps things from getting too crowded while still leaving a backup in case one seed fails. If you plant two seeds, you should get one strong seedling per cell.
Thin Weaker Seedlings For Healthy Growth
If more than one seed germinates in a cell, cut off the weaker, smaller seedling with scissors. Only let the stronger plant grow. Thinning guarantees no overcrowding and ample space for robust development.
Allow Room For Seedlings to Expand
Whether in cells or sown directly in the garden, space beefsteak tomato seeds just 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch apart. This gives tiny seedling roots enough space to fully spread out and establish before hardening off and transplanting outdoors.
Transplant Only the Strongest to the Garden
When it’s time to transplant outdoors, select just the single healthiest seedling from each cell to place in the garden. Pinch away any extras. This prevents crowding in the garden.
Space Transplants 18-36 Inches Apart
In the garden, space transplants 18-36 inches apart depending on the beefsteak variety. Wider spacing reduces competition for sunlight, nutrients and water. It also allows for better air circulation to prevent disease transmission between plants.
Rotate Planting Locations Yearly
Practice crop rotation by moving transplant locations yearly. Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spots. Rotation suppresses disease and prevents buildup of soil pathogens.
Support Plants with Stakes or Cages
As indeterminate beefsteak varieties grow tall, stake or cage them for support. This prevents toppling under the weight of fruits and foliage. Support results in cleaner, undamaged tomatoes.
Follow Fertilizer Guidelines
Apply balanced organic fertilizer at recommended rates to nourish plants without overfeeding. Excess nitrogen leads to leggy, weak growth unable to support heavy fruiting.
Start Seeds Indoors 4-6 Weeks Before Last Frost
By starting with just 1-2 seeds per cell indoors and transplanting only the strongest seedling later on, you’ll achieve the highest success growing beefsteak tomatoes. The right seeding density combined with proper spacing, staking, rotation and fertilization results in healthy, thriving, high-yielding plants.
Step-By-Step Beefsteak Planting Guide
Follow this complete step-by-step guide to grow beefsteak tomatoes from seed to harvest:
1. Choose a Variety
Select a beefsteak tomato variety suited to your growing zone and season length. Popular choices include Big Beef, Beefmaster, Mortgage Lifter and Brandywine.
2. Order High-Quality Seeds
Purchase fresh seeds from reputable sources for best germination rates. Store in cool, dry area until planting.
3. Start Seeds Indoors
Plant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before outdoor transplant date. Use sterile seed starting mix in containers.
4. Sow 1-2 Seeds Per Cell
Sow just 1-2 seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in each individual cell or container. Space seeds 1⁄2 inch apart.
5. Provide Warmth and Light
Place containers in bright, 75-80°F location. Keep evenly moist. Move under lights after germination.
6. Thin Seedlings
Snip off weaker seedlings, leaving just one per cell. Transplant thinnings to own containers.
7. Harden Off Seedlings
Gradually expose transplants to increased sunlight and time outdoors over 7-10 days before planting.
8. Prepare Garden Bed
Amend in-ground site with compost. Space rows 2-4 feet apart. Or fill containers with quality potting mix.
9. Transplant Outdoors
Plant hardened off transplants 18-36 inches apart in rows/containers when soil is warm.
10. Water and Fertilize
Water transplants regularly. Feed weekly with balanced organic fertilizer according to label rates.
11. Stake or Cage
Install stakes or cages around plants for support once they exceed 12 inches tall.
12. Mulch
Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish as needed.
13. Scout for Pests
Check weekly for common pests like hornworms, stinkbugs and aphids. Remove by hand or use organic treatments.
14. Harvest Ripe Tomatoes
Begin harvesting beefsteaks when fully colored and soft to touch. Enjoy fresh, canned, frozen or cooked!
Key Takeaways on Beefsteak Tomato Seeds Per Hole
-
For best results, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting into garden.
-
Sow just 1-2 seeds per individual cell or container.
-
Space seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
-
Thin weaker seedlings to leave just one robust plant per cell.
-
Transplant into garden 18-36 inches apart depending on variety.
-
Stake or cage plants, rotate locations and fertilize properly.
By following these spacing guidelines, you’ll achieve excellent germination rates and grow strong, healthy beefsteak tomato plants ready to yield an abundant harvest!
How to Plan a Garden Bed from Scratch