How to sow tomato seeds

in Home : Projects: Seeds and bulbs

You will need

  • Tomato seeds
  • Seed compost
  • Plastic pots
  • Vermiculite
Do it: January - April
Takes just: 20 minutes

Project categories

Overview

Tomatoes are easy to grow from seed and should germinate within two weeks. Compact cherry varieties can be grown in pots and hanging baskets, while larger, cordon types are more suited to being raised in the ground or in growing bags.

How to do it

Covering tomato seeds with vermiculite

1Fill your pot with seed compost, leaving a couple of centimetres below the rim. Scatter the seeds evenly over the compost and cover with vermiculite. Water well, then cover the pot with a plastic bag or piece of clingfilm to keep the compost moist.

Tomato seedlings

2Remove the cover from the pot when seedlings appear. If growing your tomatoes on a windowsill, turn the pot regularly to prevent the plants growing towards the light and becoming distorted.

Potting on young tomato plants

3Pot on the tomato seedlings when they're about 10cm tall. Plant them deeply into individual 7.5cm pots. In late-May, harden off plants before planting them into their final position.

Adam's tip

Tomatoes are hungry, thirsty plants, so add moisture-retaining crystals and a slow-release fertiliser.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to sow tomato seeds
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gardenerbest 24/11/2011 at 15:29

tick tick tick tick

gardenerbest 24/11/2011 at 15:29

tip: add sugar with the tomato seed so the tomato tastes sweeter

Suzy 2 17/05/2012 at 13:38

I planted tomato seeds on 8 April but 6 weeks on they are only 5 cms high and seem quite weak. Would the soil I planted them in have anything to do with it. The soil is peat based. If I replanted in a richer soil would the plants start growing? Any tips/advice would be very helpful. Suzy