Best Way to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors (or Outdoors)

Summary

In this gardening tutorial, Brian from Next Level Gardening shares his 25 years of experience to ensure a bountiful tomato harvest. He reveals a secret hack for maximizing growth and production by showing how to sow seeds in party cups with the right potting mix and moisture. The video covers seedling care, including using a double cup method with marbles for drainage, maintaining proper humidity and warmth, and the importance of light for seed germination. Brian also discusses the use of a fan for strengthening seedlings and the process of transitioning them to the garden with a deep planting technique to encourage root development.

Takeaways

• 🍅 The secret to successful tomato growing starts with proper seed sowing techniques.
• 🌱 Use 18 oz party cups for sowing seeds and ensure they are filled halfway with seed starting mix or indoor potting mix.
• 💧 Pre-moisten the growing medium to a consistency like a wrung-out sponge to avoid overwatering.
• 🌿 Sterilized soil or seed starting mix is recommended to prevent fungus gnats and diseases like damping off.
• 🌱 Plant two seeds per cup for an insurance policy against seed failure, and thin to one seedling once they germinate.
• 🌳 The 'Double Cup' method with a marble and a clear cup can help regulate watering and monitor root development.
• 🌡️ Maintain a consistent temperature of around 75°F (24°C) for optimal tomato seed germination using a heat mat or warm appliance.
• 🌞 Provide light as soon as the seedlings emerge, with a grow light or direct sunlight, and adjust the light source as the plants grow.
• 🌬️ Use a fan to strengthen seedlings by simulating outdoor conditions and reducing fungal issues.
• 🌱 Fertilize seedlings with a half-strength liquid organic fertilizer every two weeks once they have their first set of true leaves.
• 🌱 When transplanting to the garden, bury as much of the stem as possible to encourage root development and plant health.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to provide tips and a secret hack for growing tomatoes successfully, starting from the right way to sow the seeds to maximizing growth and production throughout the summer.

What is the significance of the 18 oz size for the party cups used in the video?

The 18 oz size is important because it provides enough space for the tomato seedlings to grow without being too large, ensuring that the seedlings have adequate room for their roots to develop properly.

Why is it recommended to use seed starting mix or indoor potting mix for sowing tomato seeds?

Seed starting mix or indoor potting mix is recommended because they are typically sterilized, which helps prevent the growth of fungus gnats and fungal diseases like damping off, providing a healthier start for the seeds.

What is the purpose of using vermiculite in the seed sowing process as described in the video?

Vermiculite is used as a protective layer over the potting soil to deter fungus gnats and fungal diseases. It also helps in maintaining moisture around the seeds, which is crucial for germination.

Why does the video suggest sowing two seeds per cup?

Sowing two seeds per cup serves as an insurance policy to ensure at least one healthy seedling grows in each cup, as not all seeds may germinate successfully.

What is the 'Double Cup method' mentioned in the video and how does it benefit tomato seedlings?

The 'Double Cup method' involves placing a planted cup inside another empty cup with a marble at the bottom. This method helps in maintaining proper moisture levels and allows the grower to monitor the water level, preventing overwatering or underwatering.

How does the clear cup in the Double Cup method benefit the seedlings?

The clear cup allows the grower to see the water level and the roots developing, which helps in monitoring the health of the seedlings and adjusting care as needed without disturbing the plants.

What role does humidity play in the germination of tomato seeds as per the video?

Humidity is crucial in maintaining moisture around the seeds, preventing the top of the soil from drying out, which can hinder germination. The video suggests using a plastic bag to create a humid environment for the seedlings.

What is the ideal temperature for tomato seed germination according to the video?

The ideal temperature for tomato seed germination is around 75° Fahrenheit (24° Celsius), which can be achieved using a heat mat with a thermostat or placing the cups on a warm appliance.

Why is light important for tomato seedlings after germination, and what are the different lighting options presented in the video?

Light is essential for seedlings after germination as it provides the energy they need to grow. The video presents three lighting options: clip-on shop lights, fluorescent tubes, and professional grow lights, each with different specifications for lumens and Kelvin to mimic sunlight.

How does the video suggest handling seedlings that have two seedlings growing in one cup?

When two seedlings grow in one cup, the video suggests waiting until they have their first set of true leaves, then selecting the stronger one and removing the weaker one at the stem, or if desired, transplanting the weaker seedling into a separate cup.

What is the hack mentioned at the end of the video to supercharge the tomato seedlings when planting them out?

The hack involves filling the cup with more potting soil up to the rim, encouraging the tomato plant to develop more roots along its stem. This results in a more robust plant with a stronger root system, which is then planted deeply to take advantage of the additional roots.