You can do that by using an add-on such as:

• NewTabURL - https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/newtaburl
• New Tab Homepage - https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-homepage

Another way of opening the home page in a new tab is to middle click on the home button in the navigation toolbar.

Thanks, just what I needed. It works.

You're welcome

I generally like to avoid add-ons, and the second option is still an extra step - not opening tabs to the homepage, as requested (rather how to switch to your Home page after a tab opens to the blank page).

Here's a wild idea: How 'bout a setting option in Tools > Options > Tabs for "Always open new tabs to my Home page" ?