Pricking out and planting the tomato

Pricking out helps the formation of new roots, reduces leginess and selects the best plants from seed. Pricking out takes place between the opening of cotyledons and the emergence of the second "true leaf", that's to say approximately 15 to 20 days after sowing.

Pricking out

After eliminating the weakest plants, manipulate the seedling by the cotyledons to avoid damaging the stem. Plant the seedlings just up to the first leaves and pack the soil around them.
The transplanted seedlings should be kept in the shade while their recovery takes place.
Keep the soil moist with a temperature of around 18°C

Watering and fertilising

Water with a mix of water soluble fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and minerals, whilst taking care to avoid touching the leaves. Then rinse with clear water.
If the plants develop too quickly then reduce watering but maintain the fertilising.

Hardening off of plants

Hardening off of plants is a necessary step before the planting itself. This consists of lowering the temperature to around  15 °C , stopping fertilisation and reducing watering.
Don't hesitate to put the plants out during the day and bring them in at night.
This hardening off permits the plants to better support the shock of transplanting.

Commercially raised plants

Obviously the stages of sowing and transplanting can be avoided by buying commercially raised plants.
The ideal plant should be 20 cm tall with well developed roots, a good green foliage and no flowers. Buy preferably just before planting, taking care to harden off a little if necessary.

The moment of planting

It is common to wait until mid May before planting tomatoes. Personally, I am more wary of a "pink" moon. Generally the planting of tomatoes is made at the end of May, or the start of June when the risk of frost has disappeared.
It is possible to plant earlier by protecting the plants under cloches (I use plastic water bottles).

Preparation

The autumn before, for heavy soils, or a month before for lighter soils, spread compost on the site destined for tomatoes and other associated vegetables (corn, squashes, etc;).
It will be necessary to loosen the soil a few days before planting and to dig holes about 20cm in depth and diameter.
Fix tomato supports at the side of the holes. These should be spaced at around 80 cm.

Planting in place

Try to keep the maximum of soil around the roots. Press the soil around the plant and keep it moist until the recovery. Avoid excessive watering.