Oregon Spring
Early Season Tomato in the US

To get a head start, you'll want to sow these indoors. If you're in USDA Zone 8 or 9, you can get going as early as January or February. Folks in Zones 6 and 7 will be sowing in February or March, while Zone 5 gardeners should aim for March or April. Pop your seeds about a quarter inch deep in small pots or trays, somewhere warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), and make sure they get plenty of light. It's all about tricking 'em into thinking spring's here early, you know.

Once your little seedlings have their first true leaves, it's time to prick 'em out gently and pot them up individually. Let them grow on a bit, then give them a good hardening off for a week or two outside before planting them out in the garden. Make sure all danger of last frost has properly passed, and space 'em about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart. Row covers or cloches are a cracking idea for that early protection, especially if the soil's still warming up. If you're short on space, some varieties do well in containers.