2015 Tomato Growing

I have had a tomato tragedy. Got over 50 varieties of them from own saved seed, heirlooms from various sources and new varieties I've bought. Seems none will germinate (tried 3 batches of various provenances and in different growing mediums). The seed might have been placed on a hot radiator while moving house.

 

If you put them on a radiator Cinnamon then it's probably dried them out. Having said that, did you give them any heat when trying to germinate? It's still a little early and cold to start them off. If you have any left you could also try letting them soak in water for several hours, it might revive them.

 

Thanks Sheal. I think most of them got baked on the radiator.

As I'm 'home alone' my dining room is being used for germination as it's the hottest room in the house, and then the seedling graduate into the south facing lounge bay window and a west facing window.

However, excellent news is that the third sowing (shoved lots of seeds of each variety into each pot) has 2 seedlings just peeking above the surface.

 

Just been sorting through my seed packets, and came across those Black Russian

 

Hi, I always sow my tomato seeds on 14 February! My elderly neighbour told me years ago that's when her dad always set his seed so I've done the same ever since! Mine are sown in a plastic seed tray with a lid then placed on the boiler! Once they germinate & are about an inch or so tall I pot them on & move them into a long seed tray in the kitchen on the floor in front of the radiator, I place a large sun tunnel over the top & water them everyday or so! It seems to work!
This year I'm growing gardeners delight for sure but haven't made my mind up which other varieties to grow as yet.

 

Thanks JWK, I shall try those & thanks for the threads bedtime reading tonight sorted!

 

That's 4 varieties and counting Loofah

 

The first tomato flower buds are now appearing on my Red Robbins! I wonder how long until my first ripe tomato? Just the smell of their leaves is like a reminder of summer and I find that a huge mood boost at this time of year.

 

Want some Minki Marvels Loof?