Planting Tomato Seeds To Grow Your Tomato Plants
Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan
Home gardeners take great delight in growing tomatoes from seeds, especially their own that that they have cultivated and saved from the previous year. It is not only easy to do, but it is a joy to see the young seedlings rise through the soil. The delight of watching your own cultivated seeds shoot through the soil can be experienced by all keen gardeners.
Using seeds to start your tomato growing is not only inexpensive but very satisfying.
Preparing the seed box.
Start the process of planting tomato seeds about 8 weeks before the warm weather. Use quality potting mix and fill a seed tray to about 1 inch from the top. Scatter the seeds over the top of the tray with about 4 inches between each seed. The reason for spreading the seed out is that when it is time to transplant them you do not damage the fine roots in separating the plants. Mist the soil and seeds and place the seed tray in a warm location.
Germinating seeds need moist air so to develop this atmosphere, put cling film over the top of the tray to promote the mositure. Take care not to over water the seeds and that is why a mist spray is suggested for use. Once the seedlings begin to appear, remove the cling film.
The seedlings will need to be acclimatized so start taking the plants to the outdoors in early morning sun, and gradually lengthen the time to be able to place them in the shade during the heat of the day. After about two weeks they can go into the early morning sun for a few hours and gradually lengthen the time in the sun, but take care not to burn the leaves.
The first and second transplant.
When the seedlings are 1 to 2 inches high they can be transplanted into small individual pots. Gently lift the seedling out by the leaves and place it in the prepared hole in the small pot, then gently press the soil around it. The stem is still very fragile at this stage so avoid touching it or it may break. Water the pot.
The pots could be kept outside now and in the sunlight. If the temperature does get too hot, shift the plants into the shade during the heat of the day. Ensure that the plants all get even exposure to the sun and this may require turning the pots.
When the seedlings have grown to 6 to 8 inches tall, transplant them again into 6 inch pots to further develop until they are ready for planting into the final growing container.
Now that you have grown your tomato seeds this far the next step is the final planting stage.
Final planting.
When the seedlings are about 8 inches tall they are ready to be transplanted into the ground or into a large 12 - 15 inch container. The next step I am going to tell you about may seem surprising, but it is the right step to take. Assuming that you have the soil prepared at this stage, plant the seedling into the hole you have prepared, up to the top four leaves.
Tomato plants have the ability to grow roots right up their stem and by planting the seedling right up to the top four leaves ensures that your tomato plant will develop a strong root system that will help in keeping your plant healthy and sturdy during the fruit bearing period.
By following these methods of growing tomato seeds and transplanting them out, you will find that your tomato plants will have the best chance of being healthy, robust and rich with fruit.
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