What if I plant seeds too soon?

[Nickerly]

I planted a few tomato seeds outside about two weeks ago, which was a bit premature of me.

My question is: what will happen to the seeds? Will the just stay underground and germinate when it warms up, or are they dead and gone from being planted too early

[Flummery]

I don't think it's warm enough yet for them to germinate, and I would imagine they will rot before it is warm enough. You really need to sow seeds at indoor temperatures. If it's not warm enough for you it isn't for your tomato seeds. Try a few now in a pot indoors.

[Nickerly]

That's what I thought

I just ended up planting salad over the top of them which has sprouted and is growing well (so it seems).

Have moved all my seedlings back indoors again after their week out in the cold. May 1st is my diary date to even consider moving them out this time around..

[Alice]

Your seeds won't germinate Nickerly - it's too cold. And even if they did the next frost would cut the plants down.
You could plant a few more indoors, harden them off outdoors as the weather warms up and aim to have them ready for living outside once all frost is past.

[zazen999]

Although they might spring to life in a few weeks....tomatoes are notorious for sprouting in compost bins from seeds you've thrown away.