How to grow tomatoes from seed

August 30, 2021

Home gardeners can grow tomatoes from seeds or seedlings. Tomatoes are grown over the warmer months, as they dislike frosts.

When growing your tomatoes from seed, sow them 6 to 8 weeks before you intend to plant them out.

Tomato seeds are best raised in punnets or pots to be transplanted when the seedlings have grown their second set of leaves.

  1. Sow tomato seeds in punnets, jiffy pots or coir pots. Seeds are sown 5 to 6 weeks before you want to plant them in the ground
  2. Place in a warm, well lit spot to germinate, taking care not to let them dry out
  3. Once the seeds have germinated make sure they get enough light to avoid becoming 'leggy'. Start watering them with a weak solution of liquid fertiliser
  4. When seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, transplant the young plants into larger tubes until they are big enough to plant in the garden

 

Our top tips for germination:

  1. Tomatoes need a warm soil for optimal germination so be sure to use a heat mat and a propagation tray to maximise your success.
  2. Always sow more tomatoes than you need. This allows you to select the strongest plants for your garden, and either share the rest with friends or add them to your compost.
  3. Grow a selection of tomatoes from each group: cherry, salad, beefsteak and cooking. You will then have ample choice with varying ripening times, flavours and uses in the kitchen.
  4. Water regularly. The heat mat needed for germination actually dries the seed raising mix quite quickly. Be sure to water regularly to avoid seed drying out. bottle top waterers
  5. Plant basil and marigolds with your tomatoes to improve the health and flavour of your tomatoes. The perfect companions, basil is said to improve the flavour of your tomatoes (and pairs nicely in sauces and salads) while marigolds deter nematodes.