8 Tomato Seed Starting Tips For 2024

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2024, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! Seedling Trays! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3xiKAgi Amazon USA: amzn.to/3DWD2DR Amazon UK: amzn.to/3RRlrCQ pH/Water/Light Meter Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3yafmrV Amazon USA: amzn.to/3OKRW30 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3nvEIM4 Composting Tumbler! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39CgtYw Amazon USA: amzn.to/39Dha49 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3yLsKVf Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YR3p94 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

[@derekcox6531]

The most awesome thing about growing our own tomatoes is that we can grow tomatoes that we will never find in a grocery store.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Sooooooooo true. So many different flavor profiles and tastes. Its gotta be the #1 reason actually.

[@borderlineretad]

That is exactly why I grow my own and never eat store bought tomatoes.

[@danhunik7949]

Store bought tomatoes are bred for color shape and long storage. Flavor is not in the mix for them.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@danhunik7949 yup, exactly

[@MrLibbyloulou]

@@danhunik7949 there are seven reasons how this happens, transport, longivety, sp,.....flavour comes last...

[@michaelhewitt2463]

Having grown Tomatoes for over 50 years. I find your video very clear informative and interesting. A must watch for new gardener's and old hands. Thanks Mick.

[@Travisjoe31]

Can you just plant a seed in a raised bed and it grow to maturity?

[@vickyannpaintingwithoils]

I rarely buy seedlings. I go to the Amish market and get their seedlings for odd things I have not learned to grow yet. Mostly, I only grow my own. The racks are filling up right now in my livingroom. Jeff, I grew peanuts last year, and this year I sprouted my first seedling from one of my own cured peanuts! So exciting! I am so greedy with tomatoes I have five varieties this year. I also harvest seeds fromt them for the following year! I love how you demonstrate the soil. Great info! Happy Growing!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Vicky! How did the peanuts turn out? Is it a bountiful crop for the amount of work involved?

[@vickyannpaintingwithoils]

Yes they were great! I cured them in a hanging herb bag. It took a while. The first year the peanuts were really small. I gave them longer last year. They were nice and plump. This year I am ready to roll with my own . Going to roast them this time. Yeehaw!

[@belveth720]

Its an awesome and very informative video! I just planted 6 seeds (can't really do more because i only have a balcony to work with), and many other seeds...Im so excited to grow my own plants! Keep up the good work man! 👍❤

[@triscuitfarms]

Jeff! Thanks so much for your effort! Ive learned so mulch from you😂 Have a happy spring!!!!

[@oceansoul3694]

Thank you so much for this video..I always love the Spring starting and planting tips...still snowing here but my greenhouse is full of seedlings. Have a wonderful growing season!

[@melindaroth5796]

Awesome teaching Jeff 😊Thank you so much for teaching us all ❤😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks again Melinda! 🙂

[@christinecave3534]

I always applaud your videos : so helpful and so insightful. thank you for the work it takes to produce such helpful instructions resources for us newbie gardeners !

[@patou8122]

Another great video thank you Jeff, just had a light blanket of snow last night in Western New York, getting that itch to start them seeds maybe in a couple of weeks.

[@Godisincontrol325]

Excellent 🎉🎉🎉 I subscribed to your channel and gave a like 😊 Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@willsolarski8550]

I'm actually starting my tomato seeds today here in the PNW! I'll keep them in the garage for about 4-6 weeks😃🌱🍅🍅🍅

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Will, you're near me!

[@nathanfuelling2577]

Hey will I'm pnw also started my tomatoes feb 15! Hope I'm not too early!

[@willsolarski8550]

@@nathanfuelling2577 it depends on your microclimate! I have to restrain myself from starting too early because if they get root bound it takes them a bit longer to get adapted once they are in the soil. I've also found if I start them later they have no problem catching up because of the warmer weather, and I don't have to do the whole 'outside/inside' shuffle with the larger plants to get them hardened off. Best of luck and happy gardening! 🌱🍅😃

[@qmoonwalker3847]

Started my peppers a month ago, have some flowers germinating and will start my tomatoes this week. Great feeling to see those little green sprouts pop up!

[@tarawilliams6375]

Love the videos. Look forward to each one. But I think I like the recap to be narrated instead of text format. Keep the awesome work coming

[@OakKnobFarm]

it's been a weird winter here (very mild!) so I might start seeds a bit early this year! Excited to really get going

[@nathanfuelling2577]

I started early because of El Nino and I'm in Seattle

[@kimwatts5750]

Love your videos, very informative 😀

[@naomi2646]

Thank you Jeff, its always a good visit and keeps me motivated. Your plants looks fantastic

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Noami, hope all is well in your world!

[@LJolie-jz8go]

Worm castings s superb for tomatoe yield

[@qmoonwalker3847]

Do you mix your casting into stop part of your garden soil when you plant? Or just put on top after you plant?

[@ninemoonplanet]

I used simple coco coir with 10% worm castings and my seeds look much better than last year. Fertilize is worm compost extract, 1 large spoon of castings to 2 quarts of water. I use it on my seedlings and orchids, keeps them looking healthy.

[@qmoonwalker3847]

@@ninemoonplanetoutstanding! Thank you very much!!

[@justinsane7128]

Im looking forward to your Next fertilezer special price allert

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I gotta start bottling and selling my own Justin!

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

Thanks Jeff. Im saving this knowledgeable video!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on! When is tomato planting time for you?

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms zone 6, Iowa

[@JM.TheComposer]

Good point about planting excess seeds so you can pick the best transplants. It's really amazing, how 1 seed packet will give you some amazing plants, but others will just be dogs.

[@FoxHound-ch1yy]

Yep. every seed is different. not all of them are winners unfortunately. especially when it comes to these dried out store bought ones in packets... get your seeds fresh from a proper farmer and the difference can shock you.

[@ChaosOrZen]

Took me a hot second to figure out who that new younger guy was. Nice fresh looks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha ha ha you noticed! I feel 10lbs lighter without all that hair, LOL!

[@colleenjerns9239]

I think you look great too. You must be getting healthier. 😉I love your videos, not far away here in Washington state.

[@elizabethbarta918]

Thanks. I just planted some today 😊

[@melindaroth5796]

Jeff, we have got to stop getting so excited about starting bc beautiful warm temps. All our plants looked so beautiful so he transplanted them outside. 😮then got hit with 40 degree temp last night and tonight 😢😢😢❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Oh no Melinda!! We had a storm that knocked out power last night, but its bringing warmer temperatures with it. Fingers crossed for spring!!

[@nathanfuelling2577]

We had that same storm in seattle. I spring a fied my strawberries 3 days before. Good thing I finally found a use for this tiny plastic greenhouse someone got me. I just threw them in there (lowered the less than 5 pound structure over them)

[@melindaroth5796]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I will be praying 🙏 for yall Jeff.😊❤️

[@LJolie-jz8go]

Thank you for your help

[@vicwickgardens9174]

I love the longer video! Thanks ☺️

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Vick, me too! More information, less stress for time!

[@steadfast4837]

Awesome tips. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers, thanks for watching!

[@brandywvstrong9673]

Absolutely love tomatoes. So many varieties to choose from. 🪴❤️🪴

[@BalmBeach]

Amazing video! Love the music too. This is really helpful info! Thank you

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

I've got seeds I am just itching to start, but without proper light levels it would be a mess. So I'll just keep planning and plotting in my journal for a few more weeks yet. 🤣 This is a great video to help those who are a bit gung-ho to cool our heels so we don't make preventable mistakes.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I hear you on that Sandy. You going grow light or window sill for yours?

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms With hydro costs, the very large windows in the living room will be it. (they face due south)

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Awesome information for growers from an awesome friend! Don’t stop now!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Jim, appreciate it! Hope the weekend was well for you!

[@doreen643]

Great video on starting tomatoes! I wish I could save the link. Thanks for posting this one!

[@MyGardenRetreat]

Love tomatoes! I'll be posting my own garden videos soon, so just gathering good tips.

[@theobserver9131]

I've never spent a single penny on tomato seeds. The tomato scraps from our kitchen grow like weeds. And I don't even have to do that anymore. The tomatoes just keep coming up year after year and spread out. I just have to choose which ones I want to allow to grow. I think it's amazing there is even a market for seeds or starters.

[@theobserver9131]

I suppose I could look for unique varieties just for fun.

[@theobserver9131]

I'm going to try to grow fewer tomatoes this year. We've been growing many times the amount of tomatoes we need for our own food. Our chickens get most of them.

[@nathanfuelling2577]

Where do you live

[@theobserver9131]

The local deer population seem to like tomatoes, and it keeps them off of my other plants.

[@theobserver9131]

@@nathanfuelling2577 Virginia.

[@RedRoadgifts]

Yep love the tomato !!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

The best!

[@kujoevony3160]

Thank you sooooo much for your insight and practical way you share your knowledge. Northeast OH here and about 4 weeks away.

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Jeff, another great video. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊

[@mandiehague3569]

I'm in southern Cali (East county San Diego to be exact). I am trying to grow things for the first time. I have little experience helping my mom years ago in a full outside garden. I have a very small concrete backyard. I plan to transfer to a raised garden box. I started the seedlings (tomatoes and others) a lil over a week ago. I water from beneath. They are all doing well, however it seems I'm growing mold on the soil surface some more than others. Why is that?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on, you're off to a great start! Mold is u usually just a lack of air motion in and around the plants.

[@mandiehague3569]

Wow I just finished the video and skimming through other comments like a min ago surprised at the quick response. Thank you for that. Also want to add I can't remember how I came across your channel in peticular but last Aug or Sept I really got into the idea of gardening to save money on produce my boyfriend and I use frequently. And to give me something to do since I'm on disability. It was your videos that really helped it seem possible and made not as confusing as I thought it'd be. So big props on how you present the information. I find I'm like an amazed child when I see my plants grow. 😂

[@ooolalakatchuli9873]

Awesome video. Thx 😎👍❣️ Just subbed 🌱

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much, glad you liked!

[@Naddrose]

Thank you for another informative video. QUESTION: can you do a video or give ideas how to water seedlings indoors. I am planning to be away for 10 days and I don't want to return to dead plants. Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Nadd! Yes, water from below. Little extra so they are standing in a half inch or so, then decrease the heat. That usually works. Feels dicey, but as long as they aren't submerged, it works.

[@Gogogonebai]

One of my seedlings is doing so well excited to see what i get from them 😁

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on! What variety?

[@ninemoonplanet]

My seed starter soil this year is 80-90% coco coir plus 10% worm compost. Best year yet for good looking seedlings. Potting them on to 50% compost, 30% coir, 20% garden soil. My "fertilizer" is worm compost extract, 2 litres water poured through 1 large spoonful of compost in a metal coffee filter. As long as the worms are fed with lots of variety of things, the compost is good enough for me.

[@cirsiumc]

Thanks. I looked in your Amazon links for what type of fertilizer is in the blue bottle. You don't have a link. Can you share the brand and type, please?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ahhh yes, the seaweed stuff! Its local here to Vancouver Island...not sure I've ever seen it online actually.

[@cirsiumc]

@TheRipeTomatoFarms i see, thanks. Is it only in Victoria or can I maybe get it in Courtenay? I go over every couple of months.

[@Dewder]

Penticton here , great video keep it up !

[@janw491]

I love starting my own seeds

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

It's so satisfying!

[@ThriveGarden]

Great tips, please share more of it

[@sherrylingenfelter8991]

Nice looking tomatoes!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks, fingers crossed for some epic harvests!

[@unstoppablezone4980]

Excellent video! Thanks. ❤

[@stevedimartino683]

Thank you, very good tips

[@HamiltonRb]

What are your thoughts of starting tomato and pepper seeds in those coco pellets that expand after immersed in water rather than soil trays?

[@kahalamorse8910]

Mahalo for all your tips!❤🍅😋🤙

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks for watching! Hawaii in 2 days!

[@nathanfuelling2577]

Hey Jeff I seeded heavily per your other videos but I'm having a problem with my cells heating unevenly in the 72 seed cell tray I've been bottom watering but some cells are dry when some are still wet come like day 9 or so when others take the full 14 days. I don't have lights just the heat pad in a south facing Pacific Northwest window Any advice? Also I was wondering if you could do a video on domes! I've noticed you still use yours quite late for your tomatoes. do you do that for other plants as well? I've been seeing a lot of conflicting info on when to remove the covers for seedlings starters transplants etc.

[@joyfulparadise]

When you moved the seedlings to a bigger cell, did you use the same seeding mix you started with? Or did you go with a different potting mix? Thanks for this fabulous video. I learned so much.

[@triscuitfarms]

Awesomeness!!!!!

[@jericox1813]

I need some advice.. I have a 72 cell tray with a lot of tomato varieties. This is my second attempt at starting my tomatoes this year. The wind destroyed my first batch as well as my greenhouse. Anyways my seeds germinated fine but that’s it! It’s been 3 weeks and they are all around 1 to 11/2 inches tall and are NOT changing at all.. I have 4 LED 6500 K 2200 lumens each light on them 16 hours a day. I water as needed but they are NOT changing at all.. What am I doing wrong?? They are in a spare bedroom where the temp is 68-70 at all times. I have not thinned them out since none of them look too dang good at this point. It’s 2 plants in some cells but not all.

[@definitelyp8652]

I like different paste tomatoes.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Like Romas and San Marzanos? Love them!!

[@definitelyp8652]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I am growing those plus Amish paste. Next is learning to save the seed.

[@wrongwayconway]

I started my tomatoes waaay too early! Jan 11th. Yikes, they're so tall and have out grown the shelving & grow light setup in my basement. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can keep this "teenage tomatoes" alive until mid-May. I will start some more tomatoes this week just to be on the safe side. Same with my cantaloupes, yeah, too too early. Lesson learned.

[@BH-gr2ds]

😂😂😂 (sorry, been there, done that!)

[@nathanfuelling2577]

How early can you up pot leggy seedlings?

[@mikemike9747]

Question for ya.... 2 years ago I grew tomatoes from store bought campari(hybrid?)tomatoes that I pulled the seed out of. They grew like wildfire, and were pretty good. I thought hybrids weren't suppose to bear fruit? The following year I used those seeds from the new fruit. Am I getting a new wierder tomato every time I do that?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hybrids can most certainly bear fruit. Most of the tomatoes you eat are from hybrids. The issue isn't bearing fruit...the issue is with a hybrid, the QUALITY of the fruit is random, unknown, and not guaranteed. For a crop that takes 3 months to grow and a LOT of resources, most people don't want to gamble on an unknown.

[@user-vcgfiyyrfhkpmzsw]

Дякую Джеф за твій досвід! Вітання з України 🇺🇦 з війною нам доводиться переїжджати в регіони подалі від російських бомб, тож багато людей селяться в приватних старих будинках в маленьких селах і там вимушені вивчати з 0 науку сільського господарства за для виживання, але це дуже цікаво і корисно працювати на природі на землі, хоча і без міського комфорту до якого вже звикли. Томати це любов, тому варто на них витрачати сили та час 💪 Як кажуть у нас в Україні- щедрих Вам врожаїв!

[@ooolalakatchuli9873]

Blessings to you all ❣️🙏🌱

[@mamam5877]

good day.do i have to take out first flours of tomatoes for better to grown more tomatoes

[@daveroznowskijr.4946]

What size pots do you use for retail? Are those 4 inch squares. Good stuff man just subscribed!

[@blacksmithden]

In a colder climate like I am. Did you REALLY say that ? Hi again from zone 3 !!! LOL.

[@PauletteHunter123]

Jeff i think i made a mistake buying trays with coco coir pot greenhouse kits by Plantbest. Do you have any experience with these? Separating the cells is difficult and im reading now that they don't breakdown when transplanting them into your garden I checked out your suggestion for trays here in Canada on Amazon but they don't include th bottom tray or the dome. So thats why i purchased these guys at my local Home hardware. So i think i just wasted a bunch of money. Previous years i used the red solo cups.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, I have used things like that in the past. No ideal, but most certainly not going to wreck your garden. The pots are designed to break down, eliminating the possibility of transplant shock because you don't disturb the roots. They kinda do, kinda don't. Separate the cells by scissors...they cut really easily. Tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis should have no trouble bursting through the coir. After that, the tray is re-usable and you can get regular 10x20 cell trays to make proper plugs next year, no waste!

[@Carol32547]

My tomato plant leaves are purple underneath..some purple on stems...are they ok?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, it all has to do temperatures being too cold and the plant being unable to get enough phosphorus and potassium.

[@Carol32547]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you

[@margaretpollard2179]

👍 Thanks!

[@kendvp8208]

Jeff, I'm a little confused on the timing. I'm in Port Angeles, WA, close to where you are. Assuming we're growing from pots, when you say 'planting date' do you mean the date you put them outside? You said to start seeds four weeks before the first frost date then six weeks after that for your planting date which translates to April 14th at the latest. My tomatoes would be dead from the cold. Can you elaborate more please?

[@JoseLopez-cz3kc]

How & y do U feed the lowest calcium fertilizer 2 U'r seedlings & plants?

[@muhamadthemotorcityfarmer6016]

I got my seeds, my pots and my lights. I just need to get off the couch. Seeding soil is expensive compared to potting soil. Is there a trick to make potting soil seeding friendly?

[@gordythecat]

In a smaller space I find indeterminate better. I grew heirlooms one year and they were 11 feet tall 😮 (determinate) but it took up my backyard lol

[@gordythecat]

My hardest part is to know how far away to put my plant lamp. I have the same square hanging kind you have.

[@RabbiShalom-b3v]

❤

[@justmejust4553]

wish you would of showed how to trim them as they grow

[@CarolinaJoubert]

That seed packet said 10 seeds .... And it was almost 7$. Whoa. The value of seed saving is even more importanr now !

[@johnnyvegas459]

Hope you sprayed those seedlings that purple tinge on the leaves looks like early tomato blight they look seriously droopy and sad. Even the seedlings when they're kept too close together with leaves touching the soil they will develope that purpling. I had the same thing keeping them in my glasshouse you need to set up a fan to keep air moving.

[@ourv9603]

Miracle Grow Tomato food = 18-18-21 Southern AG 20-20-20 !

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That's some pretty hefty chemical action there!

[@Chattyman2]

Went away for a day and left my seedlings on a heat mat by accident. Got loads of leggy plants at the minute 😬

[@FoxHound-ch1yy]

Best tip is using a proper seed raising mix. The roots on tomato plants go absolutely bonkers even when the plants are only still small and the roots need to be able to freely move throughout the soil to expand. using a soil thats too hard and compact the roots wont be able to move and grow, use seed raising mix it's very light and airy and the roots can easily move throughout it and expand. healthy and happy roots = healthy and happy plant.

[@Ebees_Map]

I use the same steps except I used an egg carton and I didn't use a heat pad. It's been 7 days and it still hasn't sprouted yet

[@amberkuehn9115]

I don't seem to have trouble until I transplant my tomatoes 😢

[@sharimuhamad5905]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Baxahuutrau42023]

Ôi cà chua ngon quá

[@Zeropatience1]

I buy my seeds (that I don't have from my own plants) from MIGARDNER (he's here on KZbin and ships almost anywhere in the world but recently has had trouble with the UK) and his seeds are only $2.00. He's completely organic as well. If you're looking for seeds why not help out a Gardner rather than big stores plus save money? Just saying

[@justinsane7128]

Idiot proof, just what i need.😅

[@melindaroth5796]

Us too 😅😅😅😅

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha mostly. Mistakes can always be made when you try hard enough! 🙂

[@melindaroth5796]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms 😅😅😅 ain't that the Truth

[@governmentflu81]

Those cherry tomato seeds in the beginning are really pricey.

[@denisewright9551]

if only people would get to the point of the topic.

[@hmartin751]

Imagine telling someome how to run their channel

[@MBMDIGITALFARMING]

Hi i am pakistan farming greenhouse

[@AnnaCentauri]

nice camera operator work

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Anna! Its just me! But I do have 3 or 4 cameras rolling at any one time! :-)

[@rlbgardener6465]

Hello Jeff, great video!!! My last frost date here in SWMO US is April 14th. Haven’t started my seeds yet, because I’ve been sick for a while. But I’m going to get them going hopefully this week. Happy Gardening.🪴🪴🪴👍👍👍

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on, its coming fast eh?! You growing lots this year?

[@rlbgardener6465]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms probably just tomatoes, peppers and different types of berries, plus flowers.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@rlbgardener6465 ha ha that's more than enough for most people!

[@rlbgardener6465]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms it will be for me unless I happen to find a great deal on some other plants at the store and buy some more. Lol

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@rlbgardener6465 heh heh, a tale as old as time....!