Tomato seeds

It is preferable to buy seeds from a merchant because most diseases are transmitted by the grains.
However, you can keep your tomato seeds for the following year. Seeds from hybrid tomatoes are only stable for one year. Thus you can get five different varieties from five seeds.

The sowing period

The tomato requires at least four months of cultivation. That's why the seeds are planted and kept in the house during February or March, the plants can become established very early before planting.
Planting in the ground early rarely succeeds with our climate. However, tomatoes left on the compost heap may give some interesting results.

Seed containers

The use of seed trays to gain space is widespread.
Pots are increasingly being used, the seedlings receive more light and are less likely to wither away. In addition as there is no transplanting plant growth is faster.
Biodegradable pots although not reusable, have the advantage of eliminating any risk of transmitting disease through poor cleaning. The pots are buried with the plants, this avoids the shock of transplanting.
Lastly, after being rehydrated, clumps of peat or compressed vermiculite can also be used as containers.

Seed compost

Put a little gravel at the bottom of the containers to ensure a good drainage.
The seed compost must be renewed every year to avoid diseases. It must be lightweight, a mixture of peat, vermiculite and perlite will be perfectly suitable.
Some people will only fill their pots three quarters of the way and refill as the plant grows. Others prefer to fill to the top to benefit from a better light. The compost must be prepared shortly before sowing.

Spacing of seeds

Ensure that you water the seed compost with tepid water and press lightly down on the humid soil.
Sow in rows spaced at 5 cm.
Cover the seeds with a mix of sand and sieved peat.
Cover the containers to maintain humidity and reduce evaporation. You can cover with a newspaper and glass, the seeds need heat to germinate but don't need light.

Germination

It takes a week and a temperature between 20 and 30°C for germination to occur.
Once the seedlings emerge give them as much light as possible to enable them to develop.
If daylight is insufficient, then complete by artificial lighting.
Water at least once a week with a solution enriched with phosphorus and potassium.