10:10 - 07 February 2011
Growing tomatoes from seed is actually very easy, they need a few basic conditions to get them started. One of the best things about growing tomatoes from seed is the huge array of different types you can grow. Unless you choose a highly bred F1 variety, plants will usually come true from seed saved from fruit at the end of the season and many gardeners continue to save seed from heritage and favourite tomatoes in this way. You will find that really specialist seed is quite expensive but more common and popular varieties may be bought for just a pound or two for a packet.
There are two main types of tomatoes, those that are called Greenhouse tomatoes and respond better to cultivation within the protected greenhouse environment and those that can be grown in the garden. A few varieties can prosper in garden or greenhouse.
Greenhouse varieties can be sown from seed from January, but they do need special care and attention, not least plenty of warmth. For new gardeners planning on growing greenhouse tomatoes for the first time, it may be better to wait until young tomato plants are available at the garden centre and grow these on in the greenhouse. But if you want garden tomatoes then sowing from seed is the most satisfying and cost effective way of growing many plants. You can even sell your surplus at the village fete or share with other gardening friends.
If you are new to sowing from seed then choose a popular strain such as ‘Gardeners Delight’ or ‘Money-maker’ or even scrounge a few seeds of a gardening friend. Tomatoes like warmth to germinate; they are a Mediterranean plant and love a bit of heat. You can provide basal heat using a propagator or wait until about April when the temperature should be warm enough. Don’t sow too early and don’t sow all your seed at once. If you only want a few plants then try sowing seeds individually into clean modules containing room temperature seed compost. Make a tiny hole in the surface and sow one seed into each module or pot. Cover with a thin layer of Vermiculite or more compost. Water gently with tepid water and label. Place in a light, warm place, or use a propagator to germinate at 18-20C (65-70F). They can germinate in just a few days or may take 10-14 if conditions are cooler. You may also find that one or two come up quickly and the rest take a few days longer, be patient and don’t poke around in the compost trying to see if they are coming up.
Potting up
Tomatoes cannot be planted outside until all danger of frost has passed, and even if you intend to grow them on in the greenhouse they need moving into larger pots or planting into a grow bag, as soon as their roots fill their existing pot or module. Make a hole about the size of the root ball in a growing bag, or half fill a large pot with good quality Multi-Purpose Compost. Place the root ball in the hole and firm gently. Add a strong stake and tie the stem gently to it. Keep well watered but ensure there is good drainage. Tomatoes need a pollinator to set fruit and need to be tied in as they grow to stop them toppling over. When growing strongly they drink litres of water each day and need regular feeding for the best results.
How to avoid common pest problems?
Grow French marigolds alongside your tomatoes to deter whitefly especially in the greenhouse.
Feed your plants with a dedicated tomato food to avoid nutrient deficiencies and common problems such as blossom end rot.
If blight is a problem choose to grow blight resistant varieties. You can also grow tomatoes in a greenhouse or polytunnel to minimise exposure to the fungal spores.
