I never sow them before mid March and often leave it until the start of April. They are started in the airing cupboard until they germinate and then moved to a south facing windowsill until it is warm enough for them to go in the greenhouse. And I live in a warmer part of the country to Monty.

I was very surprised when he suggested sowing them now, far too early in my humble opinion! Mine will be sown early April.

its far too early , I always sow mine 1st week of April .... go with optimum times and the plants dont have a check to growth which will stunt them or turn a light purple to tell you they are cold

Thanks guys, I was pretty sure I was right but my friend laps up every word of Monty’s. She now agrees with me.

I do mine mid April and I use a heated propagator. its far too cold.

I agree with Monty. My tomato seeds have just sprouted a week ago. They'll need at least 2 months to mature. By May, all danger of frost is passed & I'll have nice mature plants that can start producing fruit almost immediately. I never use a heating mat. I don't even have a greenhouse. I plant my seeds in dixie cups I took from my bathroom, on a table near my back bedroom window.

But I seem to remember you live in a pretty hot climate B, whereas it’s still around freezing during the nights where I am.

Well, I'm in New York and right now, I'm bracing for a huge winter storm, scheduled to hit tomorrow. It's barreling up the East Coast right now headed for my back yard. You can see it online. This will be the 3rd storm we've had in the past 2 weeks and they say, the biggest. However, my seedlings think they are in Florida. I can only wish. I must start them early because the growing season here is short. They need 2 months to mature enough to produce.

Thanks fot that B, have just put 4 seeds in as an experiment.

I do this every year, 1st week of March, same for my peppers. You'll have nice sized plants by May to plant out in the garden.

Sounds good B, I’ll have plants much sooner than usual then all being well.

but don't plant outside until all dangers of frost have passed. for me in E Yorks that's June.

Thanks SG, that’s me too.

Yes, that's critical. Tomatoes are extremely tender. It's not a big deal if you want to start them later. I just rather start having fresh tomatoes in May.