Sowing Tomato Seeds Directly in a Seed Bed

This is by far the riskiest method in temperate climates. It is only suitable for those areas which have a last frost date in MARCH. In all other areas, the soil is unlikely to be warm enough at a time which will allow the tomato plant to develop and fruit. The soil temperature must be at least 15C (60F) at the time of sowing and during germination. Click here to buy a cloche or cold frame from our recommended suppliers. This will warm the soil prior to planting and protect the plants in their early stages.

Soil preparation needs to be done as described in the main article. Using a trowel, dig a shallow drill 2.5cm deep (1in) deep in the prepared bed. Place two seeds every nine inches in the drill and cover the seeds to a depth of 2.5cm (1in). Water well if the conditions are at all dry.

The seedlings should emerge in about 10 days. When they are 5cm (2in) tall, thin to one plant every 45 to 60cm (18 to24in). The plants can then be cultivated as described in the main article.

BACK TO PREVIOUS PAGE

Links to Other Garden Sites || Privacy Policy

VEGETABLE PLANNER
Double sided fact sheets for fruit and vegetable care. Plastic laminated for use in the garden. All dates set for your home town. Only Ł1.99 or $3.79 per sheet.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Proud to be a partner with:


	GARDENING COMPUTER DESKTOP DIARY 30 day free trial	Planting, sowing, care, pruning and harvest dates all in your computer desktop diary. Designed by GardenAction. Ideal birthday present for only Ł7.49 and it lasts forever! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS