Tomato seedlings

Hi, this is my first time growing basically anything. I decided to start with tomatoes. I bought the kit, watered the pellets and put in the seeds. I now have 3 small shoots( about 40mm high) coming up from each pellet. I know I have to take out the 2 weakest looking shoots leaving the strongest to grow but what I don't know is how often do I water them, When do I transfer them to pots. Do I transfer them in the pellets and what happens next. I was going to buy one of the mini greenhouses for them. Would this be OK. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hello Johnb
Its late in the season for tomatoes (a lot of people sow them as early as Feb) but with a bit of luck you will get a crop.
As they grow real fast at this time of year there is no harm in planting them in bigger pots now. If the pellets are those fibrous things you can plant that too (it should rot away eventually).
Watering is based on observing the colour/feel of the growing medium. You don't want it permanently sodden as the roots can't breath and they will rot. On the other hand if its too dry the plants suffer. So gently poke the growing medium and if it feels damp its ok (usually its darker when its wet). If it feels dry then give it enough water to moisten it again - but watch out that you don't flood it or wash away the soil/compost from the roots. Hopefully if the drainage is good then surplus water should drain away. Its better if the water is not cold straight from the tap too - I leave my watering cans full in the greenhouse to warm up first.

 

Thanks for your advice AncientGardener, much appreciated. I'll give it a try

 

My five tomato plants (from shop fruit seed) are inside on the kitchen sill and still haven't flowered but they look healthy.

I think if they had a couple of days of warm sun it would give them a boost as my neighbour has her's in growbags in the greenhouse and they have only just flowered.

I remain convinced that everything is developing later this year due to the weather.

TO

 

I hope you're right TO, as mine have only been growing a few weeks.

 

John,

I reckon because yours as late (like mine) the mini greenhouse is a good idea.

Wickes, Homebase etc sell them for �£10-�£15. I'm keeping mine inside I think but if I put them out I'd definitely use one of those tiered greenhouse's.

TO

 

Thanks TO, I think i'm going to try the mini greenhouse. Let me know how yours get on and I'll do likewise.

John