From

Location

Message

Date Posted

3 acre corner in Whittaker,Mi USA (faulkner5@msn.com)

Having a hard time getting these to germ and was wondering what was some good ways to try and get these going from some veteran mater pros......thanks !!! Erik

2/20/2013 9:35:39 PM

Ontario

Something I do, with all tomato seeds ,is not to bury them.. I place them on top of the soil.You have to spray them with a spray bottle to keep the soil moist.I help to keep them moist by keeping them under a plastic cover.it helps to keep them moist . Something else I do , is to pinch out the 5th. true leaf. don't worry it won't stop the plant from growing. it slows it down for a week,but in the mean time it is producing a much stronger root system. which pays off with a thick stem. Terry

2/21/2013 10:14:38 AM

Allentown, PA

I've germinated all of my Big Zac seeds via Jiffy brand seed starter pellets.

Add water, allow expansion, plant seed approx 1/8th inch down. I then take the expanded pellet with the planted seed and place it in the holding tray with the rest of them. Once completed I then take the tray and place it on a heat mat located in a small plastic storage tub. I monitor the temperature to be between 80 and 85F. Within approx 4 to 6 days germination will take place. Once germination of the majority of the planted seeds have occured I take the tray and heat mat and place it under a light ballast. I maintain the temperature at 80F while allowing light to do it's thing. This method has netted me approx 90 percent germination every time.

2/21/2013 11:19:30 AM

Omaha, Ne.

what soil temp do you have? Are you using seed starting mix. I have never had problem getting any type of tomato seeds to germ using a seed mat jiffy pellets or seed staring mix. unless the seeds was older. Might just be a seed problem, Try some other types seeds to see.

2/21/2013 3:37:50 PM

3 acre corner in Whittaker,Mi USA (faulkner5@msn.com)

i was trying the jiffy pellets but i believe i was putting the seeds down way too far into the pellets. i am using the heat mat that came with it so will try your way meaford and yours also pa_j...thanks alot

2/21/2013 5:11:43 PM

Allentown, PA

I'm glad I could have helped you! Remember not too deep.

Grow em big!!

2/22/2013 10:34:00 AM

United Kingdom

Two of the best things for germinating tomato seeds is, Black tea, and chamomile tea, the chamomile tea tends to kill off various soil borne diseases as well.

the method is to soak seeds in Either tea for about 45 mins and then sow them, results can sometimes be rather dramatic by comparison.

Apparently a lot of growers tend to favor (Twinings English Breakfast tea) as the favourite tea for this purpose.

2/23/2013 1:38:28 AM