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First time seed grower !!

Paul Gibbs3Paul Gibbs3 Posts: 10
in Fruit & veg

hi guys, I've just planted my first ever tomato seeds into my new shiny propagator. I'm glad to see that the seeds are breaking the soil and was wondering at what point shoul I plant the individual seeds into their own pots to grow on ?

thanks

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Posts

  • Sophie17Sophie17 Posts: 342
    I moved mine when they had their first pair of true leaves fully formed. First year from seed for me too image
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    Hello and welcome Paul image

    I prick our my tomato seedlings  when they have two proper leaves as well as the first two little seed leaves.


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Paul Gibbs3Paul Gibbs3 Posts: 10

    Thanks for that guys... 

  • sanjy67sanjy67 Posts: 1,007

    i sliced up a baby plum tomato this year instead of using packet seeds and put  a slice on top of compost & scattered a little compost on top to cover and they came up in a few days, i now have a hundred odd plants, hoping for some baby plum tomatoes this year image

  • Paul Gibbs3Paul Gibbs3 Posts: 10

    Once I've pricked out the seedlings can I keep them in a warm bright place or do they go back in the propagator for a while ? My seeds are about 50mm tall now so I assume they are ok to prick out now.

  • sanjy67sanjy67 Posts: 1,007

    prick them out and plant them almost up to their leaves (so almost all the stem is now buried) this will give you good strong plants with good roots, they will be fine somewhere warm & light.

     

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    Temperature is a little less important post-germination, relatively speaking; bright light - preferably sunlight - is the key. They will cope with temps in the teens C. I put my seedlings in a crate, wrap it completely in bubble wrap, and put them outside during the day even with temps in single figures. The bubble wrap soon creates warmth. In fact, on a sunny day, I have to watch they don't overheat. Bring them inside at night.

    Most important of all, DON'T overwater them. Make sure the pots are well drained and let the mix dry out between watering.

  • Paul Gibbs3Paul Gibbs3 Posts: 10

    Thanks for the info guys, I'll keep you updated on progress ....

  • Paul Gibbs3Paul Gibbs3 Posts: 10

    Ok, well the good news is seeds are doing very well.... 

    Next question, At what point should I introduce tomato feed to my plants ? They are now about 50mm tall with the second set of leaves forming.

    Thanks

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    Don't feed them until they're planted out and the first trusses of fruit are forming. And don't overfeed them beyond that point. Toms thrive on controlled neglect. If they're in the ground, they don't need more than a couple of feeds in their lives. If in pots, no more than once a month.

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