Wouldn't it be nice to be able to grow the varieties of tomatoes that YOU want and not just the ones that your local nursery has to offer-usually only tow or three different kinds. It is a very simple problem to solve. Just grow your tomatoes from seeds.
Everyone thinks it is hard to do but it is really simple. You don't need a greenhouse. You only need a light source. Follow these steps and you are on your way!
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Select the variety of seeds you want to grow, and there are sources on-line. Some offer up to 100 different varieties of heirloom tomatoes to choose from.
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Use a GOOD non-soil potting mix. You can find this at any home improvement store or nursery.
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You can start tomato seeds in nearly anything that has drainage. Lots of folks save the six pack containers from their purchases of flower seeds.
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Plant the seeds 1/8th inch deep and gently tap soil. Do not plant seeds to deep or they will not germinate.
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Keep soil moist not wet! It is best to bottom water but a spray bottle works fine.
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Put the containers in a dark place. Tomatoes need dark to germinate properly.
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When seedlings first appear, move to a light source. As the seedlings grow keep moving light up, keeping it about 4-6 in. above the seedlings.
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Two weeks after the last frost plant outdoors in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day.
You will be amazed at how simple it is to grow your own tomatoes from seed and you can have the types of tomatoes that you prefer!
Coming soon. Our next article on how to plant, where to plant, how and when to fertilize and a list of some varieties of heirloom tomatoes.
Happy gardening,
Dave
