Growing Tomatoes from Seed in Melbourne

There’s something very satisfying about watching a tomato plant grow all the way from a tiny seed to a delicious fruit.

If you’re in Melbourne, late winter to early spring (August–September) is the perfect time to sow tomato seeds indoors. You don’t need a big backyard—just a warm windowsill, a few recycled containers, and a little patience.

Here's how to get started:

1. Choose your seeds
   Go for heirloom cherry tomatoes if you’re in a small space. They’re compact, tasty, and resilient in pots. Tommy Toe is a great variety to try and is available in our shop!

2. Use seed trays or repurposed containers
   Egg cartons, yoghurt cups, or toilet rolls work beautifully – just make sure there are drainage holes.

3. Sow shallow, cover lightly
   Use seed-raising mix – this is a fine mix that ensures your tiny seedlings don’t have to fight too hard to push through to the light. Spread the seed onto the surface and then cover with a light layer of seed-raising mix about 0.5cm deep, water gently, and cover with clear plastic to keep the humidity in. Our Reusable Potting Mat makes for mess-free planting indoors.

4. Keep them warm and bright
   Tomatoes like it cosy. Place them on a warm windowsill or on top of the fridge. Once they sprout, they’ll need light to grow strong.

5. Pot them up slowly
   When your seedlings have two sets of leaves (true leaves), gently transplant them to larger pots. Use a good-quality potting mix with compost added. Keep them

Top tip: Stroke the seedlings with your hand once a day to help them grow sturdy stems. It mimics wind and builds resilience (and a connection to your seedlings)!

Your tomatoes will be ready to move outdoors in late spring once all chance of frost has passed, around November in Melbourne. Remember that plants don’t follow arbitrary dates (like Cup Day), rather, they respond to changes in soil temperature and light levels. Ideally, the soil should be around 18°C. Remove the bottom set of leaves and ensure these are buried under the soil when you plant; this helps to establish strong roots.

Get started with heirloom seeds!

The Balcony Seed Kit contains Tommy Toe tomatoes, and the Culinary Herbs Seed Kit contains perfect companion planting once your tomatoes are moved outdoors. Use the Reusable Potting Mat for mess-free potting up indoors, and feed with Support Slow Release Plant Food when planting out.