Is direct seeding for Tomatoes a viable option, or are there problems that I'm not seeing?

Much lower germination rates so more seeds wasted.
Much lower survival rates - primarily due to inconsistent spring weather but also pest damage.
Much higher incidence of damp-off.
6-8 week delay in fruit set and production (that is the primary advantage of starting them indoors - gaining that 6 -8 weeks).

See previous discussion linked below.

Consider Wintersowing as a much more viable and controlled alternative. All detailed on the Wintersowing forum here.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Starting seeds outside?

Thanks for the info and the link, Dave, that's what I thought. I tried mucking through past posts, but must have missed that very obvious one! Thanks again.

Steve

I have grown tomato plants by direct sowing in the garden. When you have a long growing hot season , you can do it. Of course , I had other plants already (from seedlings) and the direct sown ones were just addition for canning.