1. Save money and get a head start on summer tomatoes by sowing their seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
2. Moisten seed-starting medium thoroughly, but not soggy and fill the containers leaving a one-inch space from the rim.
3. Plant 3-5 seeds per container at least an inch apart and ¼-inch deep
4. Cover the seeds with more moistened seed mix and pat firmly to make sure the seeds are making contact with the soil.
5. Use popsicle sticks or other markers to record the sowing date and variety
6. Water the newly sown seeds with a sprayer and continue to spray regularly so that the planting medium is moist but not soggy
7. To conserve moisture and humidity, place a plastic soda bottle or other similar covering over the plant and check daily to make sure the soil does not dry out
8. Place near a brightly lit area or under grow lights in a warm place (top of the refrigerator or water heater) or commercial heat mat
9. Germination will take 3-5 days
10. Thin seedlings to the most vigorous seedling when 2-3 inches tall and add more moistened seed starting mix to fill in any holes
11. When seedlings are about 4-inches tall with several sets of true leaves and evening temperatures remain above 50° F., transplant them outdoors (to be continued in next week’s newsletter and will cover “hardening off” and other transplanting hints)
Recommended Supplies:
- Any 4-inch diameter containers that are at least 3 inches deep and provide good drainage, but peat pots or Jiffy 7s (flat discs that expand in water with planting medium already in them) can be transplanted directly in the soil without disturbing the tender root systems
- A planting tray or something similar to keep the pots from sitting in water
- A sterile seed-starting mix (never use your garden soil because it tends to compact and may contain weed seeds or pathogens)
- Popsicle sticks or other plant markers
- Sterile spray bottle
- Bright, indirect indoor light or commercial grow lights
- Since tomato plants germinate best in warm temperatures (about 75˚ F.), use a heat mat available at retail nurseries (don’t use your heating pad!) or set in a warm place such as on top of the refrigerator or water heater
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Some sort of covering such as a plastic quart soda bottle (cut out the bottom and leave the cap off) to provide a mini-greenhouse
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