Tomato Seed Germination- Method

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?YCXKK 28 February 2009 Tomato Seed Germination
Plastic biodegradable cups used, and drain holes made.
Coffee filter to contain soil and roots to assist in transplanting.
Toilet filter used to keep moisture near seed to enhance germination.
Clear plastic bag to contain humidity. This means the seeds need no care until germination, when the bags will be opened. Any loose soil and water is contained by the bags, making a neat and clean plant area.

[Backtoreality]

I just have a few questions. Why the toilet paper again? What zone are you in? I'm in zone 5 and I'm having a hard time waiting! I'm thinking of working the garden at the end of this week, for lettuce and other cooler plantings. Most will have a "tent". Thanks for the pictures, they make me want to get my hands "dirty"

[HandyMom]

I find your method very interesting! Oh, and is that the same dog in your avatar? (with hair grown out?) I think it's cute how the dog is supervising.

I've been interested in winter container growing. Some seeds will start while there is snow on the ground.Ever tried that? I have seen some amazing plants started in freezing weather.

[Durgan]

The toilet paper keeps a moist area around the seed, that is my theory anyway. Humidity and warmth are the basic requirements for reliable germination. The method depicted in the first post has been used for the last few years and has been found to be reliable with little care required.

Winter starting of plants is fine, but few plants mature well under artificial light or limited window light. In other words a good start but a poor finish.

[Darlene]

Neena is looking extra special in her warm winter coat, I've missed seeing her.
Do your tomatoes get "leggy" before you can put them out?

[Durgan]

Neena is looking extra special in her warm winter coat, I've missed seeing her.
Do your tomatoes get "leggy" before you can put them out?

I work at preventing legginess by placing the plants in my small greenhouse during the day to insure there is maximum light. I practice this as soon as the seeds germinate, and legginess is reduced considerably.

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?ACBEN 5 March 1009 Tomatoes Germinated in 5 days.
The plastic bags are turned back and now the seedlings are exposed to maximum light. During the day the containers will be placed in the greenhouse if the temperature is above 20 degrees C.

[AdamantEve]

very cool idea. i really want to grow some tomatoes, but all i have are windowsills. I can't put them outside. I got some tumbling toms and i'm going to give it a shot, but i don't know if it will work. fingers crossed.

[dogmatix]

Once your seeds are sprouted what is your lighting schedule? 24 hours a day/12 hours. Mine are just sprouting now (they look just about like yours do) and I'm not sure if I need to keep my grow light on all the time or do they need a day/night schedule?

[Durgan]

Once your seeds are sprouted what is your lighting schedule? 24 hours a day/12 hours. Mine are just sprouting now (they look just about like yours do) and I'm not sure if I need to keep my grow light on all the time or do they need a day/night schedule?

I have a small greenhouse and basically subject the plants to natures schedule. If the nights are too cool the plant are brought indoors and put out when the temperature rises.

Grow lamps are really only useful for getting the seedlings well established. In most cases there is simply not enough intensity for good growth as the plants get large.

[dogmatix]

Oh, no I'm not growing inside I am just starting seedlings. They will be going outside in a few weeks. I was just wondering how much light they need (in hours daily) until the move.

[Durgan]

Oh, no I'm not growing inside I am just starting seedlings. They will be going outside in a few weeks. I was just wondering how much light they need (in hours daily) until the move.

Twelve hours is probably enough. The plant need a rest phase.