| Beginning in early February, seeds were being ordered and accumulated for early sowing inside the house. Most of my seeds are ordered from Totally Tomatoes and Tomato Growers Supply but Bush Burpee Big Boys are available only from Burpee and the great Roma San Remos are only available from Shepherds. Since I have accumulated seeds for twenty years, I always have plenty of left over tomato seed. However, I always advocate using new seed and I buy new seed every year. However, the old seed seem to germinate very well. My seed this year were started in February in six-pack containers filled with #5 Sunshine potting soil. The most important thing about potting soil is that it be sterile. I put about 20 seeds in each six-pack container, put them into a tray and cover with plastic or newspaper. The most important thing for germination is enough bottom heat. This is accomplished by placing a heating pad at low setting under the tray. The optimal temperature is about 80° twenty-four hours a day. Seed will begin to emerge in five to seven days and when the majority of the seeds have germinated, the plants should be moved to a cooler surrounding. My south-facing enclosed porch is the solution at our house. At this point the soil temperature should be between 70°--75° and sunlight or artificial light is very important. I use a fluorescent light with one daylight bulb and one sunlight bulb. |
