This year, Spring 2026 is predicted to be changeable, with temperature swings and the risk of minor frosts. That is why it is dangerous to act at random this season in such a matter as sowing tomatoes. As you know, tomatoes are very complex and demanding both to weather conditions and to the first main stage of germination from seeds. As the editor of the portal “Ukrainian Information” together
This year, Spring 2026 is predicted to be changeable, with temperature swings and the risk of minor frosts. That is why it is dangerous to act at random this season in such a matter as sowing tomatoes. As you know, tomatoes are very complex and demanding both to weather conditions and to the first main stage of germination from seeds. As the editor of the portal “Ukrainian Information” together with Experts on growing tomato seedlings , I have collected and are ready to share warnings and advice in this difficult matter.
The main mistake of beginners is sowing too early. The seeds germinate quickly, and by the time you plant them in the garden, you get weak, elongated stems with flowers. Remember that “overgrown” seedlings lose their immunity, get sick for a long time after transplanting, and this is a direct loss of up to 30% of the future harvest.
To get strong and healthy bushes, it is important to clearly calculate the dates. Let’s figure out how to plant tomatoes correctly and safely.
Calculation by variety: when to sow seeds
Each variety has its own life cycle, both early tomatoes and late ones that bear fruit by November. Tomatoes cannot be sown on the same day, because their age before moving to the garden is significantly different. Use our table or photo calendar to navigate:
| Type of tomatoes | Seedling age before planting (in days) | Optimal dates for sowing seeds |
| Late (tall) | 65–70 days | End of February – beginning of March |
| Mid-ripening | 55–60 days | Mid-March |
| Early (determinant) | 40–50 days | End of March – beginning of April |
| Cherries (small-fruited) | 60–65 days | Start – mid-March |
The photo below shows a detailed tomato sowing calendar for 2026
Lunar calendar 2026 for tomatoes
Since tomatoes form their crop above ground, according to the rules of agronomy, they are sown on the Growing Moon . This stimulates the development of the above-ground part and guarantees friendly seedlings. Your 2026 sowing calendar should look like this:
Favorable days for sowing (Growing Moon):
- March: March 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29.
- April: April 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26 (these are the most important and favorable days of April 2026 for early varieties).
- May: May 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 (for seedling-free sowing in the soil).
Forbidden days (New Moon and Full Moon):
On these dates, the vital energy of plants freezes, so you absolutely cannot sow seeds, dive, or plant seedlings:
- March: 2, 3, 18, 19.
- April: 1, 2, 16, 17, 30.
- May: 1, 16, 31.
Nature’s signals and temperature
Planting in open ground or a greenhouse is always stressful for the plant. The calendar is a calendar, but nature itself suggests the ideal time:
- Soil temperature: The soil should warm up to at least +10…+12°C at a depth of 10 cm (the size of a shovel bayonet). If you plant tomatoes in cold soil, their roots will not be able to absorb phosphorus, the leaves will turn purple, and growth will stop. That means you can’t expect any fruit. You’ll have to start all over again.
- Folk omens: Watch the trees. When mountain ash or bird cherry blossoms bloom en masse , this is a sure sign that the ground has warmed up enough and the threat of severe night frosts has passed. The mass flowering of dandelions is also a signal for action.
Regional differences in Ukraine
The climatic zones of Ukraine differ greatly in some places, for example, the western one is more passable, and the southern one is simply ideal for tomatoes, but all natural changes dictate their own rules, so the dates of sowing and planting shift:
- South (Odessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson regions): Sowing for seedlings starts at the end of February. Planting in the ground is possible as early as the end of April or during the May holidays.
- Center (Kyiv, Poltava, Cherkasy regions): Optimal sowing is from March 10 to 25. Plants are transferred to the beds in the second half of May.
- West and North (Lviv, Volyn, Chernihiv regions): Sowing is postponed to the end of March. Seedlings are planted only in late May or early June, as the risk of late frosts is highest here.
Secrets of strong seedlings (so they don’t stretch out)
Properly cared for tomato seedlings from the very first days have a thick stem, short internodes, and rich green leaves.
3 rules for achieving strong tomato seedlings:
- Temperature shock after germination. As soon as the first “loops” appear, immediately move the trays to a cool place (+15…+16°C) for 5-7 days. This will stop the stem from growing upwards and force the plant to build up its root system.
- High-quality additional lighting. In the spring, tomatoes are sorely lacking in sunlight. Use phytolamps to provide 12-14 hours of daylight. Without light, seedlings will turn into pale “threads.” Phytolamps are not expensive, but very effective, and can be purchased at any flower shop.
- Phosphorus fertilizers. To ensure that the roots strongly entwine the earthen lump, 2 weeks after picking, feed the seedlings with potassium monophosphate or another fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.
- Do not use soil from the garden or orchard for seedlings. It is infected with fungus and has many pests; buy treated, clean soil for seedlings.
And what are your favorite tomato varieties? Write in the comments, let’s exchange experiences!
