Kitchen Garden Forum

I usually sow my two dozen outdoor tomatoes singly in individual pots rather than seed trays as I like to experiment with different varieties and find it easier to label them this way. But can anybody tell me if this impedes their growth and whether I would have sturdier plants if I started them off in seed trays and then transplanted? I'm trying to save myself work but if the end results were genuinely proved to be better I'd give it a try.

Dear Primrose, i would think it would better to carry on doing them the way you are at the moment, as it saves all the root disturbance.
It's no different to people starting them off in cell trays, and this seems to be the way forward.

It just seems you are one step in front of everyone.

One thing i would suggest though, is just keep an eye on the plants, as they may need a feed after 4 to 6 weeks depending on what compost you are using.

I think you are doing it the best way, Primrose as this cuts down on root disturbance. What size 'pots' do you sow the seeds in though. I use those small plug trays where each individual plug is about the size of a thimble, then simply pot on first into 2" pots then into larger ones about 4". I let them get tight in their pots before moving them on but do feed them with a balanced soluble fertilizer.
One way to get sturdy plants is to put the young plant deep into its new pot at each stage - up to its neck ie the first pair of leaves, each time you pot them on. Tomatoes root easily from their stems so this method helps to build up a big sturdy root system. When I put them into their final positions they again go in deeply.

John

I start mine in those very small pots that you get 40 on a tray. Two seeds per pot then singled if both germinate. Pot on into 4-1/4" then leave in those until first truss in flower.

I sow them in 3 inch pots into which I've normally mixed a very small quantity of well rotted manure with the seed compost, just to add some extra nutrients. But after all these years of growing tomatoes I hadn't really realised the capacity of plants to put out extra roots from their stems so thanks for that tip. When I finally plant them out I'll make their holes a little bit deeper.

Hi Primrose,
If you sow into 3" pots they will be fine.
It is best to allow them to fill the pot and get a root show from the base of the pot before planting them either on to a larger pot or plant out.
By allowing the root to fill the pot you are less likely to get any real root disturbance.
If you use a pot of the same size as a template when planting out or potting on you make the transfer so much easier and much less likely to get root disturbance which Tomatoes dislike.
JB.