http://chazaf.notlong.com/ 31 January 2008 Starting tomato
seeds. Pictures of method.
I use this procedure for all my
seed starting and it appears to promote germination without further care until sprouted.
The soil mixture is my own which consists of compost,peat moss, sand and some garden soil, which is mixed with the small rototiller in the summer and stored for next years use in five gallon containers, basically the same as the garden soil but a little lighter.
Probably humidity does more to encourage germination than soil moisture, and since the
seeds are close to the soil surface, the
seeds tend to dry out rather quickly if not in a high humidity environment. The top of the clear plastic covers are opened when the
seedlings are about one or two inches high.
Jiffy pots have their uses, but when used the pot is placed in a plastic container and covered with earth to prevent the pot from acting like a wick and drawing moisture form the
seedling. Generally I avoid their use, in favour of the clear plastic bag method over a plastic pot. The expandable slugs are avoided also, since they dry out too quickly.
I now use a window facing South for germination, since the basement is too cold, and the light from the sun is far more than the grow lights. When the tempereature is sufficient the plants sre placed in a little
green house, or placed outside during the day for the sun light if it is warm enough.