Sowing at the right time
Direct sowing in the bed is out of the question in our latitudes due to the cool climate. Tomato plants belong to the tropical family. Hence the seeds only then germinatewhen 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
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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, you threaten To germinate seedlings. Wait too long is that Time window to maturity open too short.
From tiny seeds to strong seedlings
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 the cover daily, so that no mold develops. Given these optimal conditions sets the germination within 10 to 14 days. The successful course can be recognized by the two cotyledons that emerge from the seeds.
Successful pulling leads to impeccable pricking
The self-curled seedlings now want to stand a little cooler and brighter, at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. The cover is now removed because the first real pair of leaves is growing rapidly. Since within a few days there is crowded tightness in the seed pot, is now pricked:
- 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 one by one
- 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
There is a particular fascination with historical ones Varieties of tomatoes 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. The 'Noah's Ark' is one of them or the 'Garden of Life'.