Growing Tomatoes from Seed
Growing Tomatoes from Seed
Growing tomatoes from seed is one of the most rewarding things in food gardening. If you’re focusing on a chemical free garden, we show you how to start with just the seeds from inside your tomato and grow to a thriving tomato bush.
It’s important to remember that if you only have a small space for your garden, consider starting your tomato growing with cherry tomato seeds, as tomatoes will grow to quite large.
STEP ONE – GET YOUR SEEDLING TRAY OR POT
If you have a small pot lying around the house you can use that, or an egg carton will do the job. This method here has a plastic container that holds the egg carton so you can water in the container, which will be absorbed through the egg carton. If you don’t have a plastic container, you can sit the carton on a plate or tray.
STEP TWO – USE A TOMATO FROM YOUR HOME
We are organic gardeners, meaning we opt for chemical free seeds, seedlings and cuttings. When we’re starting our tomato plants for the warmer months, the tomato we use is always certified organic, so we know the seeds inside are free from any sprays that can harm our family.
STEP THREE – SLICE YOUR TOMATO
Slice your chosen tomato into thin slices and marvel at the beauty of the number of seeds within this juicy little fruit. Can you believe that each one of those seeds can grow into it’s own tomato plant that will feed you for months!
STEP FOUR – POTTING MIX IN SEED TRAY
When selecting your potting mix, get your hands on a certified organic bag, or go for the cheap organic potting mix. Lay out some potting mix in your seedling tray or pot, and give a little water to dampen the soil.
STEP FIVE – LAY OUT YOUR TOMATO
Lay your sliced tomato out on top of your soil in your seed trays. My slices were quite large, so I halved them for each space.
STEP SIX – COVER WITH POTTING MIX
Cover your sliced tomato with some more of your chosen potting mix and dampen with a little water.
STEP SEVEN – PUT A LITTLE WATER IN TRAY
If you have a tray, container or plate to place your seed tray in, pour a little water in it.
STEP EIGHT – OFFER WATER AND A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
For the next two weeks, keep the seedling tray moist and in a humid environment. Tomato seeds will germinate well at around 24-25degrees. If it’s warmer inside your home, keep them inside.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE!
The Ultimate Checklist to Growing Chemical Free Food at Home
