How to sow tomato seeds

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How to sow tomato seeds

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Delicious tomatoes are easy to grow from seed. Find out how to do it, in our How-to guide.

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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.

You Will Need

Tomato seeds
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
10cm pots
Vermiculite (optional)

Step 1

How to sow tomato seeds - adding vermiculite over the seeds

Fill 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.

Step 2

How to sow tomato seeds - tomato seedlings

Remove 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.

Step 3

How to sow tomato seeds - potting on the tomato seedlings

Pot 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.

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

Seedlings. Photo: Getty Images.

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