Sowing at the right time
Direct sowing in the bed is not an option in our latitudes due to the cool climate. Tomato plants belong to the tropical family. Therefore, the seeds will only germinate if they are offered a warm, humid microclimate. Preference is therefore very successful on the cozy windowsill or in a heated greenhouse. These sowing dates are recommended:
- in the heated greenhouse from the end of February
- on the warm windowsill from mid-March
also read
- Fertilize tomatoes yourself - this is how you force the fruit set
- Prick out tomato plants - how to do it right?
- Plant asparagus in the garden yourself - this is how it's done!
If you move within this timeframe, the tomato plants will be fit enough to move outdoors by mid-May. If you start pulling forward at an earlier point in time, the seedlings threaten to spoil. If you wait too long, the time window until maturity is too short.
From tiny seeds to strong germ buds
The South American origin of tomato plants already indicates that sufficiently high temperatures and bright lighting conditions form the basis for successful cultivation. How to germinate the seeds:
- Soak the seeds in warm water, chamomile tea or garlic broth
- Fill the seed pots with nutrient-poor soil
- Spread the seeds with tweezers at a distance of 3 centimeters
- Sieve very thinly with substrate or sand and spray
- Place pots or bowls in the mini greenhouse or cover them with foil
- place in the partially shaded place
An exemplary germination temperature fluctuates between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. Keep the seeds constantly slightly moist and ventilate the greenhouse or cover daily to prevent mold. Given these optimal conditions, germination will begin within 10 to 14 days. The successful course can be recognized by means of two cotyledons that emerge from the seeds.
Successful pulling leads to impeccable pricking
The seedlings that have been drawn out themselves now want to stand a little cooler and brighter, at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. The cover is now removed because the first true pair of leaves is growing rapidly. Since within a few days there is crowded tightness in the seed pot, the following is piqued:
- Fill small pots 4-5 centimeters high with lightly fertilized pricking soil
- Create a small hollow in the middle
- Use the pricking stick to lift out the previously soaked seedlings individually
- insert into the substrate up to the cotyledons
In the last step, fill in the rest of the soil, press it down a little and spray it with water. Tomato plants that you prefer yourself according to these instructions are ideally equipped for splendid growth outdoors from mid-May.
Tips & Tricks
A special fascination emanates from historical tomato varieties, which fortunately are back in trend. Various non-profit organizations have committed themselves to the preservation of the colorful variety of tomato plants and provide the appropriate seeds for a small fee. One of them is 'Noah's Ark' or the 'Garden of Life'.
