Are you interested in growing a tomato plant from the ground up?If you already have ripe tomatoes in your fruit bowl, you can grow several unique tomato plants in the garden.By following some simple instructions, you can learn how to grow a tomato plant from seed, whether you choose to buy pre-packaged seeds or ferment your own.
Step 1: You can buy seeds or choose seeds from a tomato.
You can buy seeds online from your local nursery or from other gardeners.You can buy seeds in the garden section of the store.If you want to collect seeds from a plant, you will need at least one tomato.Make sure the tomato is heirloom or open pollinated.The results may not be as good if you choose a hybrid or plant with seeds that have been treated.Heirlooms are tomatoes that have been genetically reproduced for several generations without any cross-breeding.They're pure-bred tomatoes.A hybrid tomato is a cross between two varieties.The length of time for a plant to produce fruit is described in this method.When climate conditions become too cold, indeterminate plants produce fruit for an entire growing season.Indeterminate plants grow larger and require more care.The shapes of tomatoes are globe, beefsteak, paste, and cherry.Globe is the most popular shape, beefsteak is largest, paste tomatoes are used to make sauces, and cherry Tomatoes are small, bite-sized tomatoes often used in salads.
Step 2: Cut your tomatoes in half, scoop out the insides, and put them in a plastic container.
You will want a container with a loose-fitting lid as the tomato seeds will be sitting in the container for a few days.There is a layer of mold on the seeds.Many seed-borne diseases can be destroyed by this process.
Step 3: You should label your container.
To avoid any mix-ups, be sure to label the container with the correct variety of seeds.If you put the lid on the container, don't seal it to keep oxygen out.
Step 4: Set the pulp in a warm place.
Set the container out of the way so the process doesn't look bad.If it is warm enough, you could put the container under a sink or garage.
Step 5: A layer of white mold can be seen on the container's surface.
It takes about two to three days for the mold to form.After the mold forms, be sure to harvest the seeds so that they don't grow in the container.
Step 6: The seeds should be Harvested.
Remove the moldy layer by wearing gloves.The seeds need to be at the bottom of the container.
Step 7: Water should be put into the container to make the mixture stronger.
Continue to pour the solution over the strainer as the seeds settle at the bottom.Don't throw away the seeds.After collecting all of the seeds, rinse them with water.
Step 8: Allow the seeds to dry for a few days by spreading them over the surface.
A glass or ceramic flat dish, baking sheet, a piece of plywood, and a window screen all work well.It is difficult to remove dried seeds from paper.You can package them in a sealed plastic bag when they are dry.The variety of seeds should be labeled on the package.
Step 9: In a dark place, store the seeds.
You can put them in a container in the fridge to make it feel like winter.The seeds will be damaged if they are placed in the freezer.
Step 10: Tomatoes need to be started from seeds 6 to 8 weeks before their last frost.
When it is still cold outside, start your tomato plants indoors.Young seedlings can be killed by cool temperatures in early spring.Start your plants indoors to increase your chances of success.
Step 11: Purchase plastic pots to grow seeds.
These pots can be found at your local garden supply store.
Step 12: The moistened soil mix can be used to fill the pot.
Peat moss, coarse vermiculite, and compost could be used to make one mix.Before you sow your seeds, make sure to water it.
Step 13: In each pot, put 2 to 3 seeds deep in the soil.
pat down lightly if you want to cover with soil.
Step 14: The containers should be kept in a room of 70 to 80 F for 21 to 27 days.
The seeds can be moved into full sun or under grow lights.
Step 15: For the first 7 to 10 days, Mist the seeds.
You can water less frequently when you see sprout.Too much water kills more plants than too little water because it rots the roots.The roots can be watered from the bottom up if you soak the seeds in water.Misting can't get enough water to the roots.
Step 16: Every day, look at your pots.
Plants will grow fast once they peek out of the soil.
Step 17: If your plants have grown to at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) high, you should notice.
When there is no danger of frost outdoors, your plant is ready to be moved outside.
Step 18: Remove the plants.
You need to gradually adjust your plants to outdoor temperatures about a week before you plan to transfer them outdoors.Gradually expose the plants to the sun, starting in a partially shaded area and slowly extending the number of hours they stay outside each day.Gradually increase from there if you start with an hour or less per day.
Step 19: Prepare the garden area.
A good amount of organic matter should be present in the soil.Peat moss can be mixed into the soil to improve drainage.You can mix compost and leaf mold.To mix the removed soil with an equal ratio of peat moss, you must remove no more than half of the soil.Put the mixture back into the planting area.
Step 20: The soil's pH level can be tested.
Tomatoes grow best in soil with a pH between 6 and 7.soil testing forms, bags, and instructions are available at your local agricultural extension office.After adjusting the soil, test its pH level again.Adding dolomite lime to the soil will raise the pH level.If the soil pH is above 7, mix in sulfur to lower it.
Step 21: Take a hole about 2 feet deep.
Only the top 1/3 of the plant can be planted and it needs to be deep enough to do so.Compost can be placed at the bottom of the hole.This will give your plant a boost and help keep it from going into shock.
Step 22: Take the plants out of the pots and place them in the ground.
Don't disturb the roots during the process.When covering the plant with soil, set the transplants deep enough so that the soil touches the first set of new leaves.Pat lightly the area that was planted.All of the leaves should be removed if they are below the soil level.Tomatoes can catch diseases from their leaves.
Step 23: The plants should be fertilized.
The plants can be fertilize with fishmeal, chicken manure, or a premixed low-nitrogen.Water the plants thoroughly.The fertilization process needs to be repeated each month.
Step 24: Plants can be placed next to stakes or vines.
It will be easier to pick the fruit from the vines if the plants have a support as they grow.Don't disturb the roots.
Step 25: Feed and water your plants often.
Water at the base of the plant.Sprinkle your plants with liquid seaweed and then layer the compost around the plant.This will increase fruit production.
Step 26: The suckers are on your plants.
Pull the suckers from your tomato plant using your fingers if you want to promote better growth and a higher fruit yield.There are suckers in the crotch between the side stem and the main stalks.It's a good idea to leave a few near the top of the plant.
Step 27: You should harvest the fruit at its peak.
The fruit should appear within 60 days.The plants should be checked daily to make sure they have peak flavor.Pull the fruit away from the vine.