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Sowing: Start tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sowing the seeds in a flat 1/4" deep and 1" apart. Keep the temperature at 70-75 degrees F until germination, as well as providing adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to grow strongly rooted plants. A week before planting the seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them; tomatoes cannot endure cold weather, and should not be transplanted outside until frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. If providing a trellis, space the plants 2' apart, but if allowing the vines to spread, space the plants 3-4' apart. For companion planting benefits, plant tomatoes with carrots or onions.Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties often perform best when provided with a trellis or support. Put the supports in place before the seedlings develop vines. As the vines begin to grow, tying them to the support helps their development. Protect the plants if temperatures drop. A thick layer of mulch helps conserve moisture; water the plants once a week. Pruning the shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches, will greatly improve the production and strength of the plant.Harvesting: Test the ripeness of tomatoes by pressing them gently. The mature color also indicates ripeness. Vine ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, but as soon as frost comes, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will ripen eventually if kept in a warm place out of direct sunlight.