Tomato Seed Starting Tips

8 Tips for Growing Tomatoes from Seed

1. Make a Clean Start. If you are reusing plastic cell packs, wash them well in warm, soapy water to remove old soil and accumulated salts. ...
2. Label Your Containers. ...
3. Plant Tomato Seeds Dry. ...
4. Water Wisely. ...
5. Tomatoes Need Warmth and Light. ...
6. Pot On in Stages. ...
7. Handle Tomato Seedlings With Care. ...
8. Don't Rush Hardening Off.

1. How do you start tomato seeds indoors?
2. Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?
3. How do you prepare tomato seeds for planting?
4. Do tomato seeds germinate better in the dark?
5. Is it hard to grow tomatoes from seed?
6. Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
7. What is the fastest way to germinate tomato seeds?
8. Can you grow tomatoes from store bought?
9. How deep do I plant tomato seeds?
10. How long should tomato seeds dry before planting?
11. Can you plant tomato seeds straight from the tomato?
12. When should I plant tomato seeds?

How do you start tomato seeds indoors?

Starting Tomato Seeds Indoors Technique Tips with Photos

1. Starting indoors, in a container of well moistened, sterile seed-starting mix, make shallow furrows with a pencil or chopstick about 1/4 in. ...
2. Gently pinch together soil to cover each furrow, covering seeds 1/4 in. ...
3. Day 7 - Seedlings have germinated.

Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?

Simply soak seeds in warm water the night before you'll be planting them to soften the hull of the seeds and help the sprout break the seal. ... To germinate tomato seeds on a paper towel, moisten a single paper towel so that it's damp but not soaked.

How do you prepare tomato seeds for planting?

Spread the seeds onto either a paper plate or glass dish to dry. Don't use paper or paper towels or the seeds will stick to them and be difficult to remove. Set them in a warm, dry spot and allow the seeds to dry completely. Shake them on the plate daily to make sure they don't clump and that they dry evenly.

Do tomato seeds germinate better in the dark?

The growing mix should be moist, but not wet, to aid germination. Seeds don't need light to germinate, although after germination, you should ideally give the seedlings 14 or more hours of light a day.

Is it hard to grow tomatoes from seed?

Growing tomatoes from seed isn't hard, but there are a few things to be aware of. If you peruse a seed catalog, especially one geared toward heirloom vegetables, you'll quickly realize that the selection of tomato transplants in nurseries pales in comparison to the variety of seed that are available.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

What is the fastest way to germinate tomato seeds?

Tomato seeds kept at warm room temperature and sprayed with water twice daily should sprout within a week. As soon as the seedlings break the surface, move them to bright light. A full-spectrum grow-light is ideal, but a sunny window will do provided the seedlings are watched closely to make sure they don't dry out.

Can you grow tomatoes from store bought?

You can use romas, beefsteaks, or even cherry tomatoes when planting tomato slices. To begin, fill a pot or container with potting soil, almost to the top of the container. ... Water the pot of slicing tomatoes and keep it moist. The seeds should begin to germinate within 7-14 days.

How deep do I plant tomato seeds?

Plant Your Tomato Seeds

Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep and press on the soil a little to make sure the seeds have sufficient contact with the soil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to conserve moisture, and place your seeds in a dark, warm location, preferably between 70°F to 80°F.

How long should tomato seeds dry before planting?

Let the seeds dry for five to six days at room temperature in a well-ventilated place. Stir and crumble seeds with your fingers daily to prevent them clumping together.

Can you plant tomato seeds straight from the tomato?

Saving seed from your favourite tomatoes is a simple process and could save you money on buying seeds next year. Most tomatoes are self-pollinating, so the offspring will be identical to the parent plant. Choose open-pollinated tomato varieties, not F1 varieties as they may not come 'true' to seed.

When should I plant tomato seeds?

Sow your tomato seeds in March or April, approximately 6-8 weeks before the final frost of the winter, or earlier if you're growing your tomatoes in a greenhouse. Sprinkle the seed thinly onto good quality seed compost. Cover with 1.5mm of compost and water lightly with a fine-rose watering can.