How to grow tomatoes indoor

[gardensupplies]

I am asking this for my friend Susan, she has very limited outdoor space and hence can't grow any plants outdoor. She loves gardening and tomatoes. I have heard that tomatoes can also be grown indoors. Can anyone suggest me some of the best ways to grow tomatoes indoor? Is there any specific requirement regarding the light and heat conditions?  

[Dak]

Light is very important. You'll want as much as you can get indoors. Tomatoes need more light than houseplants typically do. They can fruit in a south windowsill, but even more light than that would be ideal. People may advise you to get higher color temperatures, but for fruit, you may want more red light (which means lower color temperatures). The closer the light is to the plant, the more the plant will be able to use it (hot lights can burn plants that touch them, though).

Soil is very important. You'll need the right nutrients in your soil if you want to them to fruit indoors. Seed-starting mix won't cut it very well, even if you add fertilizer. You'll need more than just NPK (although those are important). The more indoor light you have, the more forgiving indoor plants are probably going to be with regard to nutrient deficiencies.

Container size is also important. Plants in larger containers are more likely to produce more fruit. The plants will get bigger, however.

Grow varieties well-suited for indoor use. Some work better than others. You'll have to test some out to see what works best, but cherries are probably going to fruit more easily than other types, usually, just as they often do outside.

Make sure your day/night temperatures are ideal for tomatoes, if possible. If not, you'll have to find the varieties that do better in the temperatures you do have.

Gently shake the blossoms to help pollinate them.