Whether you are a beginner, or a seasoned gardener, Florida is one of the most suitable environments in the United States for growing tomatoes. Major tomato-growing regions in Florida can be divided into North, Central, and South Florida.
Tomatoes start growing slowly. It takes a while for them to get established. Starting from seedlings generally gives you a one- to two-month head start on a tomato crop. Make sure to start planting tomato seeds early enough to have seedlings ready for transplanting to your garden or planter-container by the beginning of March. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension recommends planting in March at the earliest and August at the latest.
The Hydraneasblue.com gardening website says that seedlings will be more tolerant of irregular watering and more able to compete with weeds. If you want to grow from seeds rather than a seedling from a friend or nursery, plant them in a potting mix with protection from hard rain.
“Determinate” or “Indeterminate”
Determinate varieties do not require much trellising due to their bushing rather than vining growth habits. Indeterminate varieties work best for farmers or gardeners who prefer a gradual harvest over a longer period. Many of the tastiest varieties – such as heirloom – are indeterminate.
According to UF IFAS, it is best to start tomato seeds in containers and then transplant to the garden after the danger of frost— typically late March or early April here in north Florida. Be careful not to plant too late because some tomato varieties need time to grow and produce fruit before it gets too hot in the summertime.