Growing tomatoes is a labor-intensive and energy-intensive process. Hobby gardeners begin preparing for the summer season well before the onset of warm weather. To plant tomato seedlings in open ground or greenhouse conditions on time, it's necessary to calculate the favorable days for sowing seeds. Various methods are used for this.
Table of favorable days for sowing seeds
It's generally accepted that seed sowing dates are based on the lunar calendar. The most favorable dates for future tomato seedlings are considered to be those when the Moon is under the constellations of Cancer, Libra, Taurus, Capricorn, or Pisces. Planting during the first and last third of the Moon's light cycles is considered especially successful.
In January
The first month of winter is suitable for planting, if further cultivation of tomatoes will be carried out taking into account heating and the presence of greenhouse conditions.
| Month | Favorable dates for sowing |
| January | 1, 12,13,14,20,24,25,26,28,29 |
January seedlings are recommended to be grown from late-season tomato varieties, which are considered the most suitable. The period from sowing to emergence is approximately 140 days. Sowing mid-season or early varieties can negate all efforts.
It is recommended to select seeds in advance, and also prepare the soil mixture taking into account climatic conditions.
Gardeners recommend not placing January seedlings on the windowsill, but rather at some distance from it to prevent frost damage to the seedlings. Providing additional lighting is also important.
In February
February sowing is recommended starting with late-ripening tomato varieties. Sowing should begin in a heated greenhouse before planting outdoors. Seeds should be provided with supplemental artificial lighting, as the short February days do not provide the necessary light duration to achieve the desired results.
In addition, gardeners need to plan to provide a greenhouse effect for seedlings.
The periods of the waxing moon in the signs of Pisces and Taurus are considered fruitful.
| Month | Suitable numbers |
| February | 1,8,12,18,19,20,25,26,27,28 |
Information! In Siberia and the Urals, late February is the perfect time to sow early tomato varieties.
In March
Mid-season varieties are suitable for planting; they are sown in peat pellets or plastic cups. March has longer daylight hours. Periods when the moon is under the auspices of the constellation Capricorn are used. This month is considered the most favorable for sowing, so gardeners recommend considering the appropriate lunar calendar sowing periods in advance. These are the dates:
- 17-20;
- 25-27.
In April
The penultimate month of spring involves planting tomato seeds in a heated greenhouse. In areas with favorable climate conditions, tomatoes can be planted under the necessary plastic cover. Favorable planting periods are the 20th, 21st, 26th, and 28th.
On what days is it not recommended to sow seeds?
In addition to favorable periods, the lunar calendar includes periods when agricultural practices should be avoided. The time when the Moon is in the constellations of Aries, Leo, Aquarius, Sagittarius, and Gemini is unsuitable for sowing tomatoes.
| Month | Unsuitable numbers |
| January | 5,6,7,8,21 |
| February | 15,16,17,18 |
| March | 16,17,18 |
| April | 15,16,17,29 |
The best days for planting tomato seedlings
The lunar calendar also determines favorable and unfavorable time periods when gardeners are recommended to plant tomato seedlings in the ground.
Into open ground
Lunar cycles determine several favorable planting dates throughout May and June. These dates should be considered due to the increased influence of the lunar phase on the future harvest. Early varieties can be planted:
- May 18, 19 or 21;
- June 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11.
Into the greenhouse
The waxing moon is ideal for planting seedlings in heated greenhouse soil. May: 18, 19, 24, 27. Experienced gardeners report that planting seedlings according to the lunar calendar improves yields and promotes more successful adaptation of tomatoes. Observations indicate that the first shoots of seedlings planted according to the lunar calendar appear within 5-6 days.
Unfavorable days for planting tomato seedlings in 2025
Periods when the moon is waning and falls under the constellations of Capricorn, Sagittarius, or Scorpio are considered unsuitable for planting seedlings in greenhouse conditions. The following dates are not recommended:
- March – 2.16.31;
- April – 15, 17, 30;
- May – 11, 20, 30;
- June – 7.15.
When observing favorable and unfavorable time periods, it's also important to pay attention to the lunar calendar's recommendations for caring for seedlings and sprouts in greenhouses. Days unsuitable for watering or fertilizing are best used for ventilation or resting the seedlings.
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I usually plant seedlings in February or March, and I agree that good lighting is essential for the seedlings to grow strong and resilient. I place them safely on the windowsill; my windows are triple-glazed, so the seedlings don't freeze.