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derry n.h u.s.a.

I've decided to give giant tomato growing a shot this season.I've missed most of the posts on starting the seeds.So if this subject isent too old.I'd love a few responses.Growing Delicious tomatos.
My question is about germination!How do you germinate a tomato seed? do you need heat like pumpkins(heating pad)? or is direct planting of a seed in a 4" peat pot the way to go? or should i put in napkins under a light?whatta ya think people??? hope to hear from anyone on this.John

3/16/2002 10:40:23 AM

canal winchester ohio

Hey John, I've found that the easiest way is to use the germination kits you can get at any garden shop for about $20. They are basically the peat tablets that swell with water a heating pad, watering tray & cover. Once they germinate you can then move them to peat pots & grow lights....

3/16/2002 10:48:17 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Remember if you are using the peat pellets to REMOVE the netting when transplanting them. They will choke your plant sort of making it root bound.

3/16/2002 12:44:46 PM

Ga.

John,,,I always put the seed in a moist paper towel,then put in a ziplock bag in a dark place until they sprout,,Then I put them in 4" pots.....

3/16/2002 1:26:32 PM

Deer Park WA

John, I soaked my seeds for 12 hours in a lignite solution. If you don't have any of that secret weapon, then soak them in seaweed for 12 hours, and then plant into 4 inch peepotts. I screwed up an used 2 inch pots and the agressive buggers out grew them in about 6 days! Oh Ya use Big Zacs and Deliousious 50/50 The Deliousious hold the world record @ 7. lbs but from what Iv'e learned the Big Zacs are a close second.

3/16/2002 10:56:54 PM

Parts Unknown

I want to see a 10 pound tomato John.
Peter C

3/23/2002 8:07:46 PM

bloomington IN.

hell yall, Id like to see a 5 pound tomato! Ive grown several 2 to 3 pounders, but nothing more. Splitting is big problem with large tomatos.

4/12/2002 10:36:24 PM

Deer Park WA

Bones, gotta lay low on the nitro bro! You will also encounter similar problems with AG punkins. Remember "Slow and steady wins the race"... Best wishes partner. My Girlfriends Zac's have been out in the green house now for a week, and they have aquired six true leaves, their stems are 1/4 inch thick! Momma has narrowed them down to six in a 4'x10'x10" tall raised bed. PS the Ailsae giants are getting huge!!!

4/13/2002 12:02:03 AM

bloomington IN.

yea, id say your probably right gads, you would think that the high n count would benefit the stem and foliage. I cannot help myself but to fertilize an already very fertile farm land. Perhaps i will pick a few bigguns this year and experiment on a few chosen plants and just feed an 0 12 12.
post us a pic of that 1/4 inch stalk! nice!

4/14/2002 10:29:04 PM