Growing Tomatoes from Seeds - It is Spring and time to begin planting

This is a great method to get the tomatoes which you would like rather than the ones which are obtainable at the garden centres. They don't often have an extensive range and with over 7000 to select from you ought to be capable of finding one that you prefer. You can buy seeds from many different outlets - on-line, garden centres, some DIY stores and mail order. Frequently the mail order ones are little plug plants which are usually very high-quality although I have to say for me there is just something about watching that first sprout poke its way out of the compost that I find sadly incredibly satisfying.

Growing Tomatoes from Seed

If this is your first time at growing tomatoes from seeds it doesn’t have to be a costly venture. Seedlings can be grown in any little pot or vessel which has good drainage holes. Yoghurt pots are very good and as a rule readily obtainable. If you would like to take this up as a sideline it is worth purchasing seed trays and a propagator, however, if you are just developing a couple of plants to have in a grow bag on your patio, veranda or in your hanging basket, plastic bags with an elastic band around the top of the tub can be just as good as a propagator.

It is always a decent thought to grow a few more seeds than you expect to plant just in case you have one of those mishaps which befall us all like knocking plants over or having some small bug consume them. If you have extra plants, you can at all times give them to friends or neighbours and spread the word.

Sow the seeds inside if possible for quicker germination and store them in a well lit area, like your conservatory or windowsill so they do not get too leggy looking for the light.

The ideal temperature needs to be 18-21ºC (65-70ºF) and if you can use a propagator that will be a bonus. This acts as a mini greenhouse for your plants. The bottom of a fizzy drinks bottle of the correct size can be cut and positioned over the pot can give the same effect. Once the seedling appears and has cast off its seed pod, the plants need to have air circulating or the seedling may rot. Consequently, the top wants to be taken off the propagator.

To summarise:

* The seeds will grow between, 8-12 days depending on the temperature. It is advisable to water young seedlings in the tray so that they are not knocked over with watering

* If you fancy trying something from the heritage range of tomatoes, you can link up with “The Heritage Seed Library” here in the UK or “The Seed Savers Exchange” in the US both of which have seed swap registers. If you would like to save seeds from the Heritage tomatoes for the subsequent year or to share you can:

* Carefully scoop out the seeds from your chosen tomato

* Place onto a plate taking care to separate them

* Allow them to dry out naturally

* Pop in a paper envelope with details of the tomato and any special growing instructions

* Keep in a cool place either in the fridge or the freezer - I put them in the freezer in freezer bags. The zip up ones are good.

Article Source: http://www.diyarticlelibrary.com

Lesley Pirrie is an expert in growing tomatoes. Check out her website at: www.howtoplanttomatoes.com/

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