Revolutionising home gardening: discover this simple method to sow robust tomatoes
Gardening enthusiasts sometimes find it challenging to plant tomatoes. The process of wintering, pricking, and transplanting, not to mention taking care of the plants, can be quite daunting. However, a certain YouTuber recently demonstrated a straightforward tomato sowing method, which produces fantastic results.
10 February 2024 19:41
Swap multiple pots for one large, deep container
To sow tomatoes using this ingenious method, you require a lengthy and broad container with a minimum depth of approximately 5cm. Ideally, the container's base should be about 70% filled with fertile soil, enriched with compost, lime, and phosphorus. An ideal pH for the soil would be between 5.5 and 6.5.
After you've fully covered the bottom of the container with soil, it's time to cover it with single-layered grey paper. If you wish to plant different tomato varieties, remember to get some long sticks, for instance, barbeque skewers. Position them along the container to serve as markers for the rows, just like in a garden.
Next, dampen the paper. Ensure it is thoroughly wet, and the moisture spills over to dampen some of the soil beneath. Scatter the tomato seeds on the moist paper, separating each seed by roughly 2.5cm, and maintaining approximately 4cm between the rows. Ensure you remove the skewers once you've positioned the seeds correctly.
The secret to success is the substrate — expect sprouting tomatoes within three days
Finally, cover the seeds with a substrate, preferably peat or coconut. Make sure it is bacteria and pathogen-free, permeable, light and loose. The height of the substrate should not surpass 1cm. After you've added the substrate, moisten everything again with water, preferably using a sprayer. Then, place the container, with the tomato seeds in a location with temperatures of at least 25 degrees Celsius. The seeds should sprout within 3-4 days.
Thanks to the nutrient-filled soil, which retains an optimal moisture level, the seeds will have perfect conditions for germination. This results in a robust root system being formed, promising an abundant harvest.
