Many gardeners enjoy growing tomatoes using seedlings for many reasons. However, the primary reason is that they see quicker results. You will be very limited on your choice of tomato varieties found in these seedlings that you are able to buy from your local nursery or possible websites online. On the other hand, when you plant tomatoes using seeds, you have numerous choices. Below are some important tips that once you understand them you will always know how you grow tomatoes from seeds.
One of the first things which you need to think about is the type you want to be growing. As with most seeds you need to start them off indoors. Normally you would be doing this 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost in your area but this will change depending on where you live. So you need to find this out for your local area.
Another really good element for starting your tomatoes off from seed is you choose the correct growing medium. You want to select one which is sterile as this will protect your seedlings from disease. With many types of growing medium you need to check your's is suitable for the germination of seeds. Don't worry, if you want you're able to mix your own at home but this can become confusing for first time gardeners. If you want to mix your own, you need to mix up peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. With pre-mixed medium you need to check there isn't added fertilizer. This will damage your seedlings rather than help them in the early stages.
Selecting the right seed is essential, you need to make sure they are the freshest possible. If there not very fresh you find they wont germinate or in some cases they take along time to start sprouting. On average you want seeds which are less than 4 weeks old.
Having seed-starter trays will make things a lot easier but some people would rather use pots. There is nothing wrong with using pots but I tend to use trays. If you do want to use small pots, you need to check they have the correct drainage. Before you start to plant I recommend you wash your trays or pots, using a 10% bleach solution. You need to remember to rinse thoroughly after.
When you are all set to plant the seeds, you need to remember they go about one-eighth inch to one-fourth inch deep into the soil. You should then water them a bit prior to putting the pots or trays in a warm part of your home that is not in direct sun. When the tomato seed first sprout, you can then move the trays or pots into direct sun and this will encourage further growth.
Now that you understand the basics of growing tomatoes from seeds, it will mean your harvest's will be a variety of many types of tomatoes. Your salads at the summer BBQ wont taste the same again after you've tasted some of your very own home grown tomatoes.
One of the first things which you need to think about is the type you want to be growing. As with most seeds you need to start them off indoors. Normally you would be doing this 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost in your area but this will change depending on where you live. So you need to find this out for your local area.
Another really good element for starting your tomatoes off from seed is you choose the correct growing medium. You want to select one which is sterile as this will protect your seedlings from disease. With many types of growing medium you need to check your's is suitable for the germination of seeds. Don't worry, if you want you're able to mix your own at home but this can become confusing for first time gardeners. If you want to mix your own, you need to mix up peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. With pre-mixed medium you need to check there isn't added fertilizer. This will damage your seedlings rather than help them in the early stages.
Selecting the right seed is essential, you need to make sure they are the freshest possible. If there not very fresh you find they wont germinate or in some cases they take along time to start sprouting. On average you want seeds which are less than 4 weeks old.
Having seed-starter trays will make things a lot easier but some people would rather use pots. There is nothing wrong with using pots but I tend to use trays. If you do want to use small pots, you need to check they have the correct drainage. Before you start to plant I recommend you wash your trays or pots, using a 10% bleach solution. You need to remember to rinse thoroughly after.
When you are all set to plant the seeds, you need to remember they go about one-eighth inch to one-fourth inch deep into the soil. You should then water them a bit prior to putting the pots or trays in a warm part of your home that is not in direct sun. When the tomato seed first sprout, you can then move the trays or pots into direct sun and this will encourage further growth.
Now that you understand the basics of growing tomatoes from seeds, it will mean your harvest's will be a variety of many types of tomatoes. Your salads at the summer BBQ wont taste the same again after you've tasted some of your very own home grown tomatoes.
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Looking to find some essential tips on growing tomatoes from seeds, then visit www.thebloomingoasis.com to find the best advice on tomato plants and how to grow them.
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