[tomato] Tomatoes Starting from seeds

Byron.Bromley (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Thu, 4 Mar 1999 12:43:31 -0500

One thing Maragret failed to mention in Kay's studies.

Is she comparing direct seed start, to the 1" x 1 1/2" six pack trays
where the plants are 3 in tall and the roots a hopelssly pot bound.?
Then she is probably right esp with a fast growing variety.

For those who must buy transplants, here is a little tip. Get them as
soon as they are available, Transplant in to a least a 4" deep pot.
You will have a bigger transplant.

My personal method, is to seed start in speed tray's, as soon as
the seedling is erect, I transplant into 3 1/2 dia by 4" deep newspaper
pots. This gives me 12 to 16 in transplant, and by using newspaper
I have no root trauma at transplanting. About a 45 day growth.
My transplants seem to take hold in about 3 days, unless we get 
some bad weather.
I don't think a new seed has a chance of catching up with this.

Byron