A lot of gardeners love using seedlings when growing tomatoes for lots of reasons. The main reason for this is to see results much quicker but you are limited to the types of tomatoes that can be grown. As you rely on local garden centers and even the internet. I always prefer to plant my tomatoes from seed, manly due to being able to select a wide range of different species. Learning how to plant tomatoes from seed is something which is rather easy once taught and something which is never forgotten.
First things first, you need to think about which type you wish to grow. When your starting from seed, Starting them off indoors is very important, normally 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost. Depending on where you live, will determine when this will be. Knowing the date far in advance of planting, will give you that extra helping hand as you're able to prepare.
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.
Using seed starter trays is something which you could use. These are very useful but some people prefer to use little pots. Remember though, when selecting a small pot you need to check it has the correct drainage. Once you have your pots or trays I recommend washing them out, I tend to use a 10% bleach solution, with a thorough rinse after.
After everything has been done and your ready to start planting, there is a few things which you need to keep in mind. You need to place the seed about one-fifth inch deep in the medium, followed by watering before placing the tray or pot somewhere warm within your house. You don't want the tray or pot in direct sunlight yet, not until your seed starts to sprout. After they've started to sprout the sunlight will increase further growth.
Being able to understand some of the basic but essential tips to growing tomatoes from seed will increase your chances of success. This then means you will be able to grow many different types of tomatoes at home, increasing your harvest.
First things first, you need to think about which type you wish to grow. When your starting from seed, Starting them off indoors is very important, normally 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost. Depending on where you live, will determine when this will be. Knowing the date far in advance of planting, will give you that extra helping hand as you're able to prepare.
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.
Using seed starter trays is something which you could use. These are very useful but some people prefer to use little pots. Remember though, when selecting a small pot you need to check it has the correct drainage. Once you have your pots or trays I recommend washing them out, I tend to use a 10% bleach solution, with a thorough rinse after.
After everything has been done and your ready to start planting, there is a few things which you need to keep in mind. You need to place the seed about one-fifth inch deep in the medium, followed by watering before placing the tray or pot somewhere warm within your house. You don't want the tray or pot in direct sunlight yet, not until your seed starts to sprout. After they've started to sprout the sunlight will increase further growth.
Being able to understand some of the basic but essential tips to growing tomatoes from seed will increase your chances of success. This then means you will be able to grow many different types of tomatoes at home, increasing your harvest.
About the Author:
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.