I have started several tomato plants indoors. Can they be planted directly into the garden?

Question:

I have started several tomato plants indoors. Can they be planted directly into the garden?

Answer:

Plants started indoors or purchased at a greenhouse should be hardened or acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting into the garden.  Initially place the plants in a shady protected location, then gradually expose them to longer periods of sunlight.  After several days of hardening, the tomatoes should be ready to be planted into the garden.  

Learn more in this article: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden.