Comments on: Starting My Tomato Seeds (Second Year Gardening)

By: Heather R

Heather R — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:54:02 +0000

I don’t grow tomatoes from seed – in fact, I don’t grow tomatoes – my husband does (yes this is different because he “farms” them) If you lived closer I would love to share some of our leftovers that he isn’t going to plant (we have about 300 plants ready to go in the ground). He is saving room for the other varities that he will plant later (in all I think he plants 8-10 thousand plants). I am learning to love tomatoes but only if they are the ones he grows . Just wanted to wish you luck!

Heather

By: Brown Thumb Mama

Brown Thumb Mama — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:15:18 +0000

I just repotted my Amish Paste tomatoes and started some Brandywines too. If you don’t have room for all of them under your Aerogarden, you can make a seed starting light from an old fishtank aquarium light. Good luck with your tomatoes!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:05:48 +0000

I just started my tomato seeds too! I got one of the jiffy starter ‘greenhouse’ kit things. I was lazy this year. Last year I saved toilet paper rolls and used them with seed starting mix. But, we have cut down on out TP use, so we have less rolls hanging around.

By: Kendra at New Life On A Homestead

Kendra at New Life On A Homestead — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:47:57 +0000

Shannon-

Thanks! Actually, I did do a post on how to make those little newspaper pots. You can check it out here:

http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2009/03/paper-pots-for-starting-seeds/

Sounds like the same thing you are talking about

By: Shannon (Mountaineer Country)

Shannon (Mountaineer Country) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:23:05 +0000

You definitely always want to start your seeds in seed starting mix. The mix is sterilized before purchase so it cuts down on fungus and disease.

What we started doing was making our own peat pots out of newspaper. We saw a little garden tool in a seed catalog and my hubby made one. So now, we can make as many as we need for a very minimal cost. Then, when it is time to plant, we’ll just place the whole newspaper pot in the ground. I like these pots better than fiberouse peat pots also, since those seem to wick moisture away from the soil. I’ll try to blog with pictures our new system.

Regarding your tomatoes, try calling your local 4-H/Master Gardener extension office. They should have a list of vegetable types that grow well in your area, as well as types that do not grow well.

By: barbara gantt

barbara gantt — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:29:06 +0000

The light from the areogarden works great for the tiny plants. my tomatoes are 6 inches high so far. Transplanted them to bigger pots today.
I have also had good luck with the areogarden growing the herbs that came with it. Basil is 10 inches high. Parsley and chives are looking good too. I took the basil and planted the whole thing with the foam in a pot of dirt. I waited until the roots were 3 inches longer than the foam. Worked good. I did give it alot of water the first week after moving to the dirt.I know that you had some problems with yours. Maybe try again. I am using town water, not well water. Barbara

By: Liz J

Liz J — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:09:52 +0000

Hi Kendra – Here is what I do…..This is my third year growing geraniums from seed, as well as Heirloom tomato plants. One thing I have learned over the years is that having a grow light really helps. I purchased my first one last year, and an additional one this year – these measure about 24 x 19″. Always start with a seed starter mix for planting seeds indoors. I find that peat pots work well also, as the roots can grow through them. Actually the container you have your pots in would be a good greenhouse cover until the seeds germinate. Once seeds germinate, remove the cover (even saran wrap would work)and put them under a grow light. Adjustable lights can be lowered to 2-3″ above the seedlings, and raised as the plants grow. You can also use a flourescent fixture or lamp, and get grow bulbs at a hardware store. I lived in Vermont a few years back and the house had a sun room. I tried growing tomato plants hoping that the heat and sunshine coming in through the glass would have a greenhouse effect….it didn’t, they were leggy and I had to toss them. I currently have geraniums, onions, tomato plants and basil growing up in my loft …. can’t wait til Spring! Best of luck to you!

By: Kendra at New Life On A Homestead

Kendra at New Life On A Homestead — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:08:24 +0000

Amy- Thanks! I’ll have to keep an eye on the soil moisture then! No, I haven’t read that book. I have a stack of about 15 gardening books that I look through… surprised I don’t have that one! Thanks

By: Kendra at New Life On A Homestead

Kendra at New Life On A Homestead — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:07:29 +0000

Lanna- Great tip! Thanks for that one. I totally would have had the same problem, I’m sure. Thanks for sparing me

By: Lanna

Lanna — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:55:32 +0000

Can I add a suggestion? Before using yogurt cups as little pots, grease the inside of them with something before throwing in your dirt. I used them (Tillamook yogurt cups, and Darigold and Western Family sour cream/cottage cheese cups to be specific) to start seeds my first [frugal] year, and when transplanting them to individual pots? Lost half the roots. Because the roots stuck to the rough-ish interior of the yogurt cups all super glue like. It was not all that exciting, trust me.

I get regular [commercial] 4″ pots from a local nursery gal – she can’t reuse them for anything she sells, but keeps the used ones on hand for her own use, or for goofy people like me that go poking around for free used but perfectly good stuff. The pots are flexible enough that the soil and roots *all* come out rather than sticking, which rocks my little world.