How to grow tomatoes

Here are the detailed steps to grow tomatoes from seed to harvest:

Choose a quality seed starting mix or potting soil, fill the seed trays or containers with it, and water the soil.
Sow the tomato seeds ¼ inch deep and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Cover the trays with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth.
Place the trays in a warm, bright location such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Tomatoes require a temperature of around 70-80°F to germinate.
The seeds should germinate in 5-10 days. Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic dome or plastic wrap, and move the trays to a bright location with a cooler temperature of around 60-70°F.
Keep the soil evenly moist by watering from the bottom of the tray.

Once the tomato seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or pots.
Fill the pots with a good quality potting mix, leaving enough space for the tomato seedlings to grow.
Water the pots and allow them to drain before transplanting the tomato seedlings.
Carefully remove the seedlings from the tray by gently pushing up from the bottom of the tray.
Make a hole in the potting mix in the new pot or container and carefully place the seedling in it.
Fill the potting mix around the seedling, leaving the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
Water the seedlings thoroughly and keep them in a warm, bright location for a few days until they recover from the transplant shock.

Tomatoes grow best in large pots or containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep.
Place the pots in a sunny location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water the tomatoes regularly, making sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize the tomatoes once a week with a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the label.
As the plants grow, support them with stakes or cages to prevent them from falling over.
Prune the tomato plants by removing the suckers that grow between the main stem and the branches. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing fruit.
Watch out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly to prevent damage to the plants.

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe and have a rich, red color.
Gently twist the tomatoes off the vine or use a pair of scissors to cut the stem.
Store the harvested tomatoes at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.