Garden Pots
Tomatoes From Seed
Copyright Garden Pots 2009
There can’t be many gardeners who have never grown tomatoes from seed, they seem to be where a lot of home growers start, and the results are usually quite impressive. Like all things related to gardening, there are things that need to be taken into account to get the best results.
Despite the impressive displays of succulent red fruits that are often seen literally dripping from heavily laden branches, growing tomatoes from seed does call for a certain amount of dedication and relentless care and attention to get the best out of them.
Whether you grow your tomatoes from seed, or buy in young plants already started, whether they’re in beds, grow bags, garden pots or greenhouses, they will need daily watering to ensure the fruit can develop. Some people do question whether they’re worth all the effort when the range of tomatoes available in supermarkets has expanded so far with all kinds of different varieties available.
For me, I just love to watch those little yellow flowers change into those tiny green marbles into those huge beefsteak monsters. Literally everyday, you can see a difference.
Where to Grow Your Tomatoes From Seed
You can grow tomatoes in a regular border, but you will generally get better results from a greenhouse environment or grow bags and garden pots where compost is a good growing medium. If you’re going for the outside border option, you will need to prepare the soil in winter and dig in some peat and compost or well rotted horse manure. Rake in some Growmore fertilizer shortly before you plant your tomato seedlings.
Due to the extra work and unpredictable results from growing tomatoes in a regular border, grow bags and garden pots have taken over and are now the most popular and reliable method of growing tomatoes from seed.
Sowing and Planting Tomatoes from Seed
If you only intend to grow a few tomatoes from seed, then simply sew a couple of seeds into a 3 in peat pot, however many times you want. If however, you intend to grow many tomatoes from seed, then it may be wise to follow convention and sew in thin lines in trays of Seed and Cutting compost. Cover lightly with compost. Keep them moist but not wet and at a temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the seedlings have formed a pair of ‘true’ leaves, they can be pricked out into 3 inch peat pots ready for growing on.
Once the seedlings are about 6-8 inches tall, they can be transplanted to the grow bags, pots, borders etc, according to where they will be sited. If going into the border, they should be spaced at about 18 inches apart. If you’re using grow bags, there will be instructions on them about how many plants can be accommodated. Water all pots and grow bags well before planting the seedlings.
Looking After Your Tomato Plants
When growing tomatoes from seed, it’s important to remember that your tomato plants will need support as they grow, and particularly once the fruit makes an appearance. You should tie the main stem loosely to a stake, or carefully wind them up a string that is securely attached at the top and bottom, but not tightly strung; this will allow the flexibility to ensure that you don’t break the seedling as it grows.
Where the leaves join the stem, you will discover side shoots forming. When they are about an inch long, cut or pinch them off.
When the plants are about 4 feet tall, using a sharp knife, remove the leaves below the first set of trusses. As the season goes on, take off any yellowing leaves below fruit trusses, but don’t go mad and leave the plant bald!
Regular watering is critical here. The soil should be kept moist, and a soluble tomato fertilizer can be added to the water. Follow the instructions on the pack for information about frequency and quantities etc.
If irregular watering occurs, the fruit is likely to split, or blossom end rot will set in.
To help pollination, occasional misting and gentle tapping of the plant supports will help with pollen dispersion and the setting of fruit.
If you’re growing tomatoes from seed in the greenhouse, ventilation is essential. Shade the glass when the inside temperature reaches 80 degrees.
Once the tomato plants have reached the top of the greenhouse or there are 7 sets of trusses, remove the tip of the plant at the point of 2 leaves above the top truss.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes From Seed
It’s time to pick your tomatoes when they are ripe and fully coloured. Make a note of the colour they’re supposed to be, many varieties are different shades of red and orange. On each stalk with a fruit attached, there is a ‘knuckle’, or small swelling on the stalk. Hold each tomato in the palm of your hand and break it off at the knuckle.
An easy way to ripen green tomatoes at the end of the season is to place them in a tray as a single layer and put them in a dark drawer. Place a couple of ripe apples next to the tray. The apples give off the ripening gas ethylene which speeds up the whole process.
Tomatoes From Seed
Useful Facts
·The expected germination time for tomato seeds is 8-11 days.
·The expected yield of greenhouse tomatoes plants is approximately 8lbs, depending on variety and 4lbs for outdoor tomato plants.
·The stored seed has a life expectancy of 3 years.
·The estimated time from sewing to picking is 20 weeks.
Remember- Growing Tomatoes from Seed isn’t easy or effortless, but the rewards on a personal achievement level, in my opinion at least are definitely worth it!
