Grow Tomatoes from Seed

Step 3 Start the seeds

Use seed starting mix, such as Miracle Gro or Jiffy Mix, to start your seeds. Fill a bowl with some mix and knead in some water till the mix is saturated but not soggy.

I use egg cartons to start my seeds in. You can use either the clear plastic or Styrofoam cartons; do NOT use the paper ones. Fill the trays with seed mix and firm the mix down into the cells.

If you are growing multiple varieties, you will need a labeling system to keep track of what tray contains what variety. Use tape, plant tags, etc to mark the trays. Be creative - do whatever works best for you to keep track of the varieties.

Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, 2 seeds per cell. I use a pencil with the tip broken off to make a 1/4" deep hole in the center of each cell, and I drop 2 seeds into each hole and firm the mix around the seeds to completely cover them.

Comments

[iminthebathroom]

Why not the paper ones?  Curious... leaching chemical nasties or...

[catman529]

This year I used one 30-egg paper carton, but to avoid soaking the paper when watering, I painted it with hot wax which soaked into the paper and cooled to make it waterproof. When paper egg cartons get soaked with water, the paper softens and roots can grow through the paper, which can cause damage (planting the whole paper cup in a new pot does not make it decompose fast enough for root growth). Also, water soaking through the paper gives it more than twice as much surface area to allow for evaporation, which means you'd have to water a heck of a lot more often. I don't think there is enough outgassing of the plastic to make it a concern; after all, your plants will only be potted for a few weeks before going into the ground.

[VidDroog]

To not waste containers and space while experimenting with a stack of old seed packets (1990's on), as well as expectations of meager sun and heat in the NW, I used the 24-egg Styrofoam carton, placed in the oven with a CFL in place of the oven light...and it made a useful amount of germination heat, keeping the temperature in the 80's. It is also handy to write the data on the while lid and borders (and as well the lid can add reflective light, +/- foil to the oven surfaces). Then a spoon can simply make the transplantation hole in the new soil and then scoop out the hatch-lings from the egg carton to then fit the spoon-made new hole. Nicely, all 24 spaces had germination: basil varieties, pepper varieties, Korean radish and twisty peppers, various tomatoes esp heirlooms.. Of course for bigger seeds, not so useful...still stick the mango in a cup of water..attractive for the kitchen window sill...