Best Way to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors (or Outdoors)

Getting a huge harvest starts with sowing the seeds correctly. I'll walk you through my tomato hack that all but guarantees a summer full of big juicy homegrown tomatoes! Plus at the end I answer your questions.
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[@tradz4199]

Try growing parsley around your tomates to be free of the horned tomato worms! It works really well, and I've been doing it for years!

[@destinycoach5]

I use germanium flowers and have never seen a horn worm either

[@IamChrisL712]

@@destinycoach5 We do that too.

[@suzannefrey7121]

I plant marigolds and basil next to my tomatoes, they also keep the tomato hornworms away too.

[@destinycoach5]

@@suzannefrey7121 yes actually I did both those last year also. Worked very well

[@bonnieweeks8383]

I have a terrible time with hornworms. I trapped a giant one last year and stuck him in the freezer. Too big to squash. I felt no guilt.

[@maricamundy1265]

I have grown tomatoes like that for 50 years. I'm glad you are letting people know how to do it right. Happy growing.

[@jolIyjoeker]

The gardening community is so open and friendly about their techniques, it is heartwarming. I will remember this when I am an old wise garden guru someday and I will happily pass all my knowledge to anyone willing to listen!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Hey are you calling me old? 🤣🤣

[@jolIyjoeker]

@@NextLevelGardening not intentionally! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Popwarner-x1w]

If we're still alive by then

[@williammitchell2435]

@@Popwarner-x1w 😮😢😢😮😢😢😅😢😮😅😅😅😢😢😅😢😅😢😅😢😢😢😅😅😅😅😅😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😅😢😢😢😢😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😢😢😮😢😢😢😮😮😢😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😅😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😅😅😅😅😅😅😢😅😮😢😢😢😅😮😅😮😅😢😮😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢⏰🗡️🛰️5

[@drurymassey]

I know this video is a year old, but I wanted to say that this is the very best information for growing tomatoes that I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for the detailed information.

[@tinamarshall6039]

Yes it is I sent the link to my brother in law who is going to start this year

[@matthewmcdaid7962]

We live in Michigan and my grandfather built a small greenhouse off a south-facing basement window. He would plant flats of tomato seeds in March. The sun during the day kept the greenhouse warm and a light bulb at night kept it from freezing in the night. By Memorial Day weekend, when we planted our annual vegetable garden, we had tomato plants to transplant. He had a composter in the back of the yard to provide soil for the flats.

[@tonial.andrews9638]

Love Michigan growing tips! I'm a few miles from the Mackinaw bridge 🌉

[@AnthonyJarrah]

I drill 3 holes both on the bottom of the cups and on the sides of the cups near the bottom, then I place them in a pan and fill the pan with water to a level above the side holes. It's easier for water to absorb the cup from the sides rather than the bottom and the bottom holes are better for drainage after the seedlings have sprouted. Works beautifully.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

great tip. thanks

[@andrespaz989]

How long do I leave the cups inside the pan of water for each day?

[@AnthonyJarrah]

@@andrespaz989 I leave them in the pan of water until the seeds germinate then I empty the water from the pan and water normally

[@andrespaz989]

@@AnthonyJarrah thank you

[@NMWriterofWords]

I've gardening for 50 years at least I'm 57 and I started with my grandfather. The way I see it you can always learn something from someone else. Sometimes you can learn good things sometimes you can learn what to avoid lol I do enjoy your videos very much!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you. I feel the same way. I've learned so much from my viewers

[@jaggers116]

I always say "If you could learn one thing a day, the day isn't wasted." You're right, you learn good things and bad things. Same with life experiences. Thank you for your inspirational comment! ~ Peace ~ ✌😎✌

[@rajwateeali985]

99⁹⁹

[@Giggiyygoo]

I germinate my seeds in a glass of water, then use tweezers to pick up the ones that sprouted and put them in solo cups. Germination rate is great this way, plus you avoid wasting space if a seed doesn't germinate. Just make sure to check them every day.

[@sharonbice7490]

Watched a video where a guy cut up aloe Vera plant added water and blended it well, then strained it, poured it in container over paper towels, and put seeds on top. He said it's got great nutrients and vitamins, all you need to germinate them for planting. I'm going to try it.

[@debodeeful]

@@sharonbice7490 Did the aloe vera prep still clean yellow latex off of aloe leaf or did they just cut the aloe leaf up green and gel together?

[@sharonbice7490]

@@debodeeful They just cut it up , and put in blender, the whole stem.

[@notfornothinghomestead]

I rewatched this video from last year!! Took me a bit to find it but I remembered it had so much education in it and didn't want to miss a step when tomatoes seedlings reached higher than top of cup! Thanks for all you share!!

[@slomo1716]

After years and years of growing tomatoes, I came across a gardener online who explained "HILLING" tomatoes. I only grew a plum tomato last year and hilled them (same principle as yours) and they were GORGEOUS tomatoes, which I was proud to give some to a neighbor. However in years past growing different varieties, I had so many I could CAN for the first time in my life. I still have jars in my cupboard.

[@maylorica9509]

❤

[@dalepres1]

The cup idea, along with cutting the lower leaves and filling the cup, is one of the best ideas I've heard on growing tomatoes. I've started and replanted and replanted literally hundreds, probably thousands, of tomatoes but this process eliminates all of that. Brilliant. And edit to add: I love (want) the Atari shirt!

[@rlee6503]

Solo Cups: I used an ice pick heated on a burner on the stove. When it gets hot you can do 5 or 6 cups at a time. Goes through like butter Cu

[@WonderlandofWOW]

​@rlee6503 Thank you SO MUCH! Great tip since I don't have any fancy tools. Wonder if a sharp slim letter opener would do?

[@ezratomlinson1703]

I like transparent cups so I can see the rooting system

[@frederickbowdler8169]

Gardening is a magical process every spring a new start 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@doreymarcincuk9881]

I like to use a clear plastic cup with holes inside the red opaque cup and throw in a stone between them if necessary to keep them apart. That way they have the drainage but can sit on the windowsill without making a mess.

[@DebraBPitts]

I am in zone 6b and start my tomato seeds in March under grow lights and a heat mat (made from looping incandescent rope light zip-tied to metal shelving!). My germination rate is always TOO good! ha This is a great idea because I have always started the seeds in smaller trays and had to keep transplanting the little plants!! Thank you for teaching this older 60-year-old lady some new tricks! I want to watch your other videos, too!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

I started mine in the small decomposable pots. I am going to switch to solo cups this year, I think, it make perfect sense about getting the stems to grow the roots, and I am betting my survival rate for tomatoes will be much higher this year. also, if, when the plants are outdoors, prune the offshoot vines and stick them in a jar, or half gallon milk jug, full of water for a few days to let them grow roots and then put them in the ground. its a great way to get a couple of plants to make a dozen plants.

[@NMWriterofWords]

You were so much happier and smiled so much more in these older videos. I hope you can find that again.

[@helgeisonline2300]

Cool T-Shirt...like Old School...remembers me to the good time the 80th ;-)

[@toddberger4648]

Thanks Brian, Open Arms Farm here from Northern Michigan. We are also growing sungolds this year. We will not be planting them for a couple weeks yet as we are in zone 4B. Then we will be moving them into hoop houses. We appreciate your tips and tricks, and we apply them to a larger scale. Last year we were blessed to be able to donate over 4,000 pounds of fesh organic produce to the underserved in our community. We appreciate you sharing your learnings from your Garden, andwe find that many of them are scalable to larger operation such as ours. Keep doing the good stuff!

[@maurasullivan3259]

Wish I had the room to do the same thing! Bless you all for your work and contributions to your community ✨💫✨👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️

[@MM-eq7bs]

Great work! Keep it on. There is nothing that will give you the same wonderful feeling other than giving to the really needy.

[@VWilt-so3ws]

I think it's great you share your crops. I do want to tell you that you should also be putting some things up for your selves, for your pantry, if you aren't. We've got some rough times coming up and freeze drying, canning or drying them out and setting yourselves up for the upcoming turmoil that is surely to come. Maybe keep half of what you were giving away and still have the othet half to share. Save some for you. It's not selfish and your still giving. Peace and blessed days vicki

[@Nanmac]

I save my cottage cheese and yogurt containers to start seeds just because I have a lot of them. They are 24ounce containers. Great idea to only fill them half full in the beginning. Great video.

[@gmillwoodphotography]

This video and your tomato trellis helped me out beyond measure last year. It was my first year gardening and while I had plenty of failures with other plants, my tomato and pepper plants did amazing thanks to your advice. My tomato trees grew to about 10' tall even with me spacing them too close together and being out of town for the end of the season. You are awesome and I am so thankful for your priceless advice and expertise. May God bless you to the fullest!

[@UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14]

I start low in the Solo cups as well. Then I move them up to 32 oz. plastic fast food cups. They fit perfectly into the bottom! Once those are full, I trim another 18" up from there, and they get planted sideways. I start my cuttings around Halloween and seeds at Christmas, so I have plenty of time to do this. If they get a bit big, I'll just cut back to a sucker to keep them in check. I only grow indies, so this works great for me.

[@auntiekk6240]

Cherokee tomatoes are my absolute favorite! Can’t wait to get these babies started!

[@farmerbob4554]

I’ve used your technique ever since the original tomato video. It works! I’m growing Sungold, Mexico, Carbon, Paul Robeson, Margarita and San Mariano. Good luck to all tomato growers!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great Bob. Thanks as always!

[@maryannstodola1607]

Reply call

[@maryannstodola1607]

Reply

[@maureenkopko994]

Paul Robeson, and Mr. Stripey, are my favorites

[@maureenkopko994]

And Kellogg Breakfast.

[@crazyplantlady2403]

I'm in zone 5, this is a genus hack. I can't believe in all the years I've garden I've never thought of it. Thank you so much! This is how I will start my tomatoes from now on. I start months before my last frost date or I wont get anything, before my next on set of cold sets in. I long grow season for us is 4.5 months.

[@ashleys7631]

Super genius !

[@scvdiane]

I started all of my tomatoes (12 varieties!) from seed last year with great success and was able to share extra plants with others. Some of my faves are Sungold, Chef's Choice Orange, Persimmon, Virginia Sweets, and Indigo Rose, all of which I'm starting again from seeds. Thank you for your videos, I've learned a ton!!!!

[@brianaguerrero-sanchez5350]

This was so helpful!! I’ve been excited to start a garden but become overwhelmed with information. This was very digestible. Thank you!

[@truthseeker9688]

San Marzano is awesome...it's Jan 12 and my San Marzanos are still blooming/producing!

[@irenealexander9990]

Surprising, my favorite tomato is Kellogg's Breakfast, which I've planted for many years. Beautiful, huge, juicy and sweet. Just love it A new second choice is Copia, a stunning striped yellow, flavorful and very productive. The tomato I'm looking forward to planting is Omar's Lebanese, a large sweet pink, with superb flavor. Truthfully, I love all the tomatoes I plant because each variety has its own appeal.

[@judytelles3518]

I love the names and how enthusiastic you all are so this year I am persuaded to plant Kelloggs, Cherokee. 1 plant I did last year called Japanese Black Trifele and another French one, a Lebanese, German, Bulgarian and a Russian variety. I am in London so I cant get some new varieties due to costs but they will be here next year.

[@goodgoat3096]

I start my tomatoes in 3" plastic pots and when the roots start coming out of the drain holes transplant them deeper into 6" plastic pots. The seedlings are grown under 3 LED shop lights running 16 hours a day on a 12" wide shelf until planting time, June 1-7 here in Illinois. I also run a fan on low which seems to strengthen the stems. At planting time the roots fill the 6" pots and produce earlier than plants purchased from a nursery which are always in too small of containers.

[@jamosmith8390]

I believe the finest sandwich and canning tomato is “ Rutgers”. It’s more orange than red but I grow for flavor and these are at the top of my list. They are indeterminate. Try them, you will be happy you did.!

[@johnpoole8321]

Great to hear I just ordered some with my heirloom packs from Amazon

[@jainemiller2375]

Clyde Russell and Cade Harvey are a TROLL TEAM. IGNORE THEM. REPORT AND BLOCK THEM.

[@dougmccoy1260]

I grow Campbell's 1327 which is a Rutgers variety. Very sweet. Everybody I give extra plants to say they are the best they have ever had. Campbell's probably didn't have to add much extra sugar to their soup.

[@lynsweeney9047]

Love the Kellogg's Breakfast heirloom! 😋

[@luisfernandotorreslopez7984]

THANK YOU!!! Blessings and greetings from Chicago.

[@nancyinthegarden3160]

I had the healthiest plants that I grew from seed under a grow light. They transplanted very well and all of them succeeded. I’m asking for another grow light bc it’s very uplifting to start growing indoors while it’s so bitter outside. It’s hope through the winter of promises for spring

[@vickicase7987]

How do you get the seeds? Do you order them, or do you get the seeds from the actual plant's?

[@sageofstoneofficial1865]

@@vickicase7987 You can do it either way. Baker Creek seed company has some great heirloom varieties though.

[@JWHealing]

Yes! I had a fun spring 2022 because I was growing my starts indoors. This fall & winter I’ve been growing Thai basil indoors for our dinners!

[@catslife7460]

Hey I don't know what state you are in but my $5 below has small ones that are very bright.

[@mikescott8225]

Solo cup about that size compared to my head = point at which I clicked the LIKE button. Thanks again for great info, Brian.

[@KingVormster]

This will be my first time growing San Marzano tomatoes, I live in a apartment so once they are ready I will put them in my fire escape, but im gonna plant on Sunday the seeds. wish me luck.

[@prattcreekart]

best wishes for many tomatoes

[@drinksnapple8997]

..you're going to block the fire escape?????

[@suzannefrey7121]

@@drinksnapple8997 😂😂😂

[@KingVormster]

@@drinksnapple8997 NYC fire escapes are huge 😂

[@LiveLaughSmile]

I love to learn everything about vegetable and fruits care.

[@williamryan1984]

Excellent & Most Informative. Greetings & Thanks from Ireland

[@judier7778]

Your videos are easy to understand and very informative. I really enjoy them and like watching them rather than T.V. shows. Keep up the great work.

[@michaelcharette6236]

Thank you for showing me what I have been doing wrong for many years. I am hoping with this new found knowledge to bring in a bumper crop of tomatos this year.

[@pellymuseum8070]

Love your idea for using solo cups. We use them all the time for picking raspberries. We just pull a plastic bag over the cup & dump. Less damage before freezing. Love multi use items.

[@user-oh7xv3pm3o]

I like Rutgers and Marglobe tomato varieties. They are medium sized tomatoes a lot like the ones sold in grocery stores in clumps on vines.

[@tricia4952]

Hi, I'm Patricia from Mississippi. I started watching your videos today. Love how your videos are a family affair ❤️ Happy growing, and God bless you and your family.

[@marieleatham7562]

Thank you. I grow around 50+ tomato plants each year. You have 3 of my favorite that I plant each year. I start mine much as you do. I am encouraged that I am doing it right. I learn something new each time I watch your videos.

[@judytelles3518]

Thats a lot of toms. My daughter is allergic, she is on her own as far as I am concerned.

[@johnkraus419]

My son has a bunch of red Solo cups in the garage for when he and his friends play beer pong. I can now put them to a better use...lol. Thanks for the video.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Lol. You're welcome

[@digsindirt4490]

😂

[@melviasheppard8466]

A new twist on recycling 🤔

[@carolurbanowicz8229]

2

[@dddpvt]

better the drinking bier?

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

Location makes a huge difference when it comes to tomatoes. Here in Oregon, Amish paste has a tendency to succumb to blight. For me, San Marzono’s grow AMAZINGLY! By the time we neared the end of the “grow season” I had to top off the plants as they were about 8’ tall and I wanted them to focus on ripening the tomatoes still on the vine. We also took a lot of the green ones and made a mock salsa verde. That turned out soooo good!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Interesting. Yes I think that's true for alot of varieties. Well maybe since I have a dry climate Amish will perform well

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

@@NextLevelGardening yes I feel your area of CA is a growing zone all its own lol

[@pamthompsonarbogast3687]

I'm glad I read all the way through these comments. I'm also in Oregon and had good luck with Roma's and San Marzanos last year (although they were a bit late coming on, and had lots of fruit still on them at frost time) , but was tempted to try the Amish paste based on Brian's comments. I think I'll stick with what worked for me. Although....I'm in Southern Oregon, and it is dang hot and dry here in the summer. Are you further north Liberty Micro Farm?

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

@@pamthompsonarbogast3687 I am about an hour south-ish of Salem. We don’t usually get as hot in the valley. Except for about a week or two around July or August.

[@ajwilk]

I use the clear plastic Solo cups, 16oz. This allows me to monitor root growth and get a jump on potential below-ground problems, such as fungus gnat larvae burrowing around. But in order to keep the starter mix or soil from sunburn, I then insert each Solo cup into a cheap 16oz white paper coffee cup as a sleeve to block the sunlight. The Solo cups have drainage holes, the paper cups do not because the Solo cups drop short of the bottom of the paper cups. This aids moisture retention as needed. I gently lift the Solo cups out of their paper cup sleeves as needed for periodic inspection. Best of both worlds, and so far so good.

[@shaylanrubendavila6940]

You are so helpful!! I moved to the super cold rural north zone 3 about 6 years ago and after watching your videos decided to start a container garden last year. It was a very small garden but now I have the bug and have 6 raised beds! Thanks for all the info you share with us

[@pattysciortino3313]

I started mine in solo cups in January (17th) and I am putting them into the ground today. They look lovely! I will post a photo on the FB page. I did exactly what you said, and started in a half cup of soil starter, then filled to almost the rim of the cup when they grew tall enough. I did tease out the extras and got about 8 extra tomato plants that are also doing well. The problem is I forgot to label the extras! By the way, I am growing Kellogg Breakfast, Cherokee Purple, a red one called Delicious, Chadwick Cherries, Tricolor Cherries, one of which is a Sungold.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect! Your ahead of the game

[@imalwayslast3170]

I'm not a tomato guy but growing veggies relieves stress for me. My wife loves them especially purple cherokee. Trying out some new varieties this year. Also got some 32 sq. ft. raised beds, so those should come in handy.

[@gregabbot4631]

Ever look at Square Foot Gardening. It produces astonishing yields.

[@VxiceheartxV]

Cherokee Purple are my absolute FAVORITE tomato! My grandma had tons of tomatoes, all colors and some striped ones too, but the Cherokee Purple are the most juicy and rich that I've personally tasted. I also grew a little yellow one this year called Sun Sugar that were pretty good, the sweetest tomatoes are not my favorite, but if they're yours you'd probably love Sun Sugar.

[@charmc4152]

I tried Sun Sugar and Cherokee Carbon tomatoes last year. My Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes didn't do that well because I bought a plant later in the spring from a garden center, and it was the tomato equivalent of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. 🙄 It didn't bounce back as quickly as I'd anticipated. We did get some tomatoes though, and boy, were they good! I've seen the Cherokee Purple too, and I want to try that one this spring, that and the Pink Brandywine as well.

[@VanessaWaugh]

The Cherokee Purple is by far my absolute favorite tomato. Have not had great success growing them in Florida. Going to try again this year and have some growing already.

[@charmc4152]

@@VanessaWaugh I hope you have an abundant harvest this year! 🙂

[@ginnybadger4790]

I think growing success starts the day you choose your seeds because variety is super important. My favorite tomato variety is Ultimate Opener. It is my secret weapon against the climate I grow in. We are in the 5b zone at 6000 ft. elevation in the high desert.

[@everettplummer9725]

The place I find the earliest, healthy, tomatoe starts, as a Wastewater Operator, is the effluent areas. Half are cherry tomatoes. The rest are a broad variety. The warmer water, protects the plants through the early months. They may be volunteers, that can be hard to identify, but they are survivors. Survival of the fittest. High yields, large plants, and a big variety. Wastewater Operators can get blue ribbons for our gardens. We have special fertilizer. Also I had volunteers, beside a raised hog pen. Just one tomato plant, yielded over a bushel. Was the biggest tomatoes I have ever seen. Watermelons volunteered too. I had my eye on the big melon for weeks, and went to harvest, and the rabbits had hollowed it out from the back.

[@samuel58237]

I love Cherokee purple and my wife loves Pual Roberson.

[@Rob--]

Oh yeah. Had my first batch last year.

[@grannygct]

Thanks, Brian, for an excellent video on starting tomato seeds indoors. My favorites - Sungold, Super Sweet 100, Black Krim and Cherokee Purple. Started my Black Krim and they are about 2” tall, a great flavor tomato.

[@chillax_ok5524]

I love Black Krim as well!

[@fancythat5136]

Great idea for the solo cups. I grew the Sungolds last year, they kept producing till frost came, delicious and abundant! I also grow heirloom Matina, Cherokee Purples and Italian Heirlooms. Save your seeds everyone!! I love your videos, informative and right to the point. 💕

[@brentwiggins5254]

what is the best way to save seeds?

[@artstamper316]

@@brentwiggins5254 This is what I’ve heard (just tried it, but haven’t tried germinating the seeds yet): Put the seeds in a container, add water and in a couple-three days pour off the pulpy water. Repeat adding water and pouring off until there are just plain seeds without any of the pulpy stuff attached. Leave to dry and store in an envelope in a dry place.

[@jeffdriver3000]

My grandfather grew Ace tomatoes when I was growing up. I still use the Ace VF55 in my garden. They were the first advertised as a coreless tomato. They are medium to large with good flavor

[@russeellbowman9498]

Late but now with God. My prayers are with you during your severe health challenge. For gardening, I am starting a strawberry wall, two shelves high, in 24 inch x 12 inch high planters. For seeds, I saw one guy grow them to start in plain sand! It is cheaper, and it can be reused several times. He grows them to a couple inches high and then repots them in fertilized growing media. Blessings, Russ

[@corinnenygren428]

Brian is always my go-to garden expert. Thanks again for a very informative and educational video Brian. You’ve taught me so much about gardening.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thanks Connie!

[@jackwilson5479]

Hey excellent video and instructions. I like to use the red solo cups however i take a clear one of the same size and with a hot poker i put five holes around the base of the clear one. i did my transplant today into the clear ones. i put my water in the bottom of the red cup and then put the clear one inside. capillary action will have the clear cup suck up what moisture it wants, i can take the clear one out and see the progress of the root growth and bottom water as needed

[@NextLevelGardening]

I love that! I may have to do that next year! I'll give you credit.👍😊

[@tcanderson1313]

Great idea!

[@gettingcannedwithjackie8754]

Love this!!! The only way I do my tomatoes and I get the BEST root base, and have had the best harvest from my plants since! ❤

[@denniskimmel6551]

I grow Florida Everglade cherry tomatoes every year here in Pensacola. They grow like weeds, and the plants produce lots of fruit. I recommend them to every one. They are the best tasting tomatoes.

[@phantomproductions1751]

Campbell's 33 my new fav for canning tomato juice. They are super resilient as well. Almost all I grow now. Super sweet 100 and couple brandywine is the only exception.

[@Kimipu]

Note on your tomato selection - I grew the sweetheart tomatoes in zone 5 last year and they were fantastic. Crazy productive in a bad tomato year, "hold" a long time, and great flavor. I think you'll really enjoy them, even if only the novelty lol Only thing I noticed was I got 3 "rounds" of tomatoes. For the 2nd, they had a distinctly different shape and were basically a normal cherry. 3rd round was right back to the original golfball sized hearts, which was weird. Maybe heat related? Tasted fine and everything and was only an aesthetic issue but I would not have guessed they were from the same plant. Never had that happen before, so it was odd. Trying them from saved seed this year, so we'll see how that goes.

[@slelinson]

This is genius! I’ve been starting tomatoes from seed for years and been very successful but this is a game changer! Can’t wait till next year to do this since all my tomatoes are already in the ground this year.

[@joelmerrill]

Great video! I've been starting them in solo cups for years. I have a south facing window I have been putting them in so they get light all day. That is not enough. This year I bought an LED grow light. That worked great. My favorite hybrid is Parks Whopper. My favorite heirloom is Hungarian Heart. They average 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and often get over 2 pounds. I live in southern Iowa.

[@cynthiahiebert5023]

I have always given a thumbs up! No return! No comment! No answer!

[@helensmith9265]

I have never started growing tomatoes from seeds. Your method makes sense & seems so easy. So here goes nothing. Lol anyway you came right to the point & thanks for all the info. Great job! 17:04

[@leslienichols5268]

Zone 5 b. Starting my tomatoes indoors under light this week. Also growing sun gold and oxhearts. Trying Barrys' crazy cherries and jersey devils for something new!

[@StevieWonders2020]

Thanks for great info and some feedback on new varieties. I'll be interested to hear and see a "review" next yar. I've had better luck using tall jumbo soda cups instead of the red ones which get brittle and fall apart. The heavy plastic tall soda cups last forever and give you even more scope for adding stimulant soil which is a great idea. If you don't want them that tall and their footprint really isn't much wider than the red cups, you could scissor-trim an inch or so off the top, but they work beautifully in the soda cups, And they get a bit of support when they get willowy. I use an ice pick to make drain holes.

[@pambaldwin4696]

My favorite tomatoes so far are Cherokee purple and brandy wine. I’m growing 19 different varieties of heirloom, cherry and dwarf this year. I’m looking forward to the new varieties I’m growing this year.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Always fun to try new ones

[@MichaelRei99]

Wow! That’s going to be some garden! Please share pictures on Brian’s Next level Gardening Facebook page when they produce!!

[@pambaldwin4696]

@@MichaelRei99 I hope so! 😊

[@adrienneoliver5457]

Cherokee purple is my favorite too!

[@amandacape8368]

Brian a fabulous bronze tomato lovely texture and taste 'SHIMMER'. Love your work Paul in Dudley England. Many many thanks.

[@maryboniface9688]

Grew the Kelloggs breakfast last year and just started my seeds for this year. Delicious

[@mammacass5311]

I was going to sew my seeds indoors yesterday I’m so glad it didn’t work out because I did not know to only have to fill the cup. As always perfect timing Brian thank you.

[@williamwilson6499]

Probably should sow them instead. Sticking needles into them is not recommended.

[@pjpricetx]

I bought the “Crimson” seeds at Bakers Creek. They are ‘meatier’ and a beautiful crimson color (deep reddish purplish). I’ve only tried gardening for 2-3 seasons and look forward to learning from You and the listeners here 💕

[@TFAllen-um6qe]

I learned the hard way about the benefits of bottom watering (and the pitfalls of top watering) seedlings this year. I'm a believer now!

[@NextLevelGardening]

I did too

[@Sine-gl9ly]

You made me chuckle with your adamant demand for a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight a day. I've been growing tomatoes since the 1950s in northwest England where we are often _very_ happy to see six hours of direct sunlight _a week_ . You - and the tomato! - can probably find a work-around, and nowadays with grow lights, soil heaters and other little luxuries, it's far easier, when conditions are unavoidably less than ideal, than it was in the past. I'll be starting a couple of dwarf and ultra-dwarf determinate varieties, a couple of patio-size bush tomatoes, a couple of trailers for hanging baskets and a couple of indeterminates, so I have all bases covered. My last frost date is the end of April, so the seeds in their packets are looking at me already, planning trouble!

[@teresaplowman6363]

Also, I just want to state the obvious, you have received so many views because you have a great speaking voice and you have a likeable sense about you, and the most important for me, is you aren't all over the place. Very informative I will tell everyone I can, keep up the good work! You are awesome!!

[@WinsomeWinslet]

So glad I tuned in for this! I started 72 tomatoes in tiny cells and they ALL have to be transplanted at the same time. They are huge, super leggy and a mess. Solo cups planted midpoint makes so much more sense!

[@montibrown1408]

Plant deep

[@darknightofthesoul7628]

Excellent presentation! Funny, I've been growing my seedlings in these plastic cups for a few years now...only because they were the only containers I could find in the house (I don't have much money to go out and buy fancy peat pots). The trick about starting them half way and then eventually filling in more soil to promote extra root growth...well, that's why I subscribe to your channel, you keep me up to date with best practices. Thank you!

[@jeremyallen9624]

Never had a Sungold, but the sweetest tomato I've ever had was a Creole tomato from around New Orleans. And they aren't just sweet, they're huge. If you're ever around that area, I recommend picking up a couple for seeds.

[@kimberlylee1329]

You can buy the seeds at tomatofest

[@Slipping_thru_the_Seams]

great tip about burying/"hilling" so early on. i knew about transplanting them deeper into the ground but this is next level lol! thanks

[@Garythedog3]

Plum tomatoes and yellow tomatoes. I had a bumper crop of Cherry tomatoes last year. Sweet success.

[@pamthompsonarbogast3687]

Sungolds are my favorite! This year I'm also trying Sunrise Bumblebee, and have started Paul Robeson (both from Baker Creek) indoors.

[@melissasullivan1658]

I just started some Robeson too! Did they also give you the free white tomesal seeds? I’ve started only three of those as the reviews were rather mixed on flavor.

[@pamthompsonarbogast3687]

@@melissasullivan1658 I did just get a packet of the Tomesals too. I’m running out of starting space, so will prob only do a couple of those.

[@au7661]

I've just sown Roma this week, Sheffield uk

[@chadburke1938]

Will have to try Kellogg’s as last year two orange varieties joined my favorites list: orange strawberry and hillbilly. Both produced huge, delicious tomatoes and my house was BLT central all summer long.

[@OvGraphics]

Hello NLG, Thanks for the vid. You popped up on my FB page... (I have no idea how this thing sorts out stuff I like) and I was bound to watch. Well, you axed, and I'll tell. I live in NE Alabama, which would be on the border of Zone 7/8. I have been gardening for a little better than 40 years now on the same 60x100 patch. Red clay predominant but built up over the years with a yearly infusion of chopped oak leaves/lime/13-13-13 mix. My season starts at the end of January which in in a couple of weeks. That's when I plant my tomatoes and peppers. I am an experimenter. I have tried bucket loads of different methods, seeds, you name it. Different stuff each year. And here is what I came to. Ya just can not beat Better Boys. Best mix of everything good in a tomato. Yep, some taste better... but here none grow better or are more dependable. You don't find those things in supermarkets. At the end of this month, January, (after using a buhzillion methods to see what was best) I will grab some planting tray thingies...those 6 packs like you get at the store and stuff two seeds into each. (I have forever been a miser with seeds but finally gave up. Two seeds is best.) I have found that the larger tray works best. The smaller ones...well, they just don't have the oomph you need for tomatoes and peppers. (Even as I write the wife is about to fry up a pan of okra from our freezer). I *would* use the red cups to start but I have limited space to start. (The top of the clothes dryer with morning sun. Ha!).... So, by the time the critters (Prolly only do about 12-14 this year. The wife is making me cut back.) are up really really well THEN it's time to put the best one in each cell into the red cup. I have reused mine many many moocho times. I use an ice pick to make the drain holes. And by that time it's warm enough to move the whole plant operation outside. Usually I can get the things into the ground around early to mid May. Generally early May. By this time the things have been in the red cups for 3 weeks or so and are really all azoommin. See, I can move all that stuff back inside in case of frost.. Then put them back out when it's above 50-55. When I plant I use a shovel to dig the hole...not nearly as deep as I used to and more broad. There is a reason. I aim when I can to have the top of the plant a bit above ground level. Fact.... listen... most of the best tomato roots grow near the top of the dirt in a big old round clump. You don't gain much by sticking it 12 feet deep. Trust me on this. Then...when the plant starts growing in the garden and gets up a bit I pull the rest of the dirt to it and dig out a shallow circle ring around it where I put a modest amount of Miracle Grow plant food. MG Tomato plant food when I can find it. Otherwise just plain Miracle Grow plant food. I cover this over with a little dirt so as to make sure none contact the plant. And then get this. This is THE secret it took me 35 years to figger out. Wheat straw is the most amazing devastating tomato generating substance you can use. In my case I grab out my trusty roll of craft paper....brown paper on a roll...newspapers will work just as good....and roll it down the row. I cut a hole to where I can pull the tomato top through it. THEN...POOM!!! I bury the whole thing in wheat straw...digging around to expose the tomato tops. They grow like weeds. The straw keeps the moisture in and the weeds not only down, but in most cases out. No weeds....sustained moisture. I find that my dosing of Miracle Grow lasts the whole growing season...until frost in some of the plants. I do go back around with some Epsom Salts water....and that's it. I never get any fair winners but my plants grow to 5 or 6 feet high and are insanely prolific. Each year I lay down a string.... dig the holes 4 feet apart or so and then I use landscape timbers every so often down the row. To each side I have nails driven in beginning about 2 feet high and up to the top every foot and a half to two feet. The tomatoes grown between the wires and I use old pantyhose (getting hard to find) to tie them with. All for now! Time to start gnawing that okra produce from the garden. Your fan in Alabam, Norm

[@lookingforthetruth8478]

Its the middle of feb 2023 and im about to take full advantage of this wisdom and knowledge on growing my stupice, pineapple, principe borghese, black krim, green zebra, yellow brandywine, Chadwick cherry, roma and pink brandywine tomatoes! Im so excited because these are my first ever seeds to grow and their non gmo heirloom organic seeds so i couldn't be happier doing this, thank you for these extremely helpful important tips on growing! 🌱 🍅 👍

[@kennyprice2001]

I’ve been growing the same Burpee steakhouse tomatoes from Burpee that you showed in the video along with a Cherub cherry tomato. I had stupendous luck with them last year. I’m planting the same along with a couple of other varieties I got from Baker Creek. As for space for the cherry tomatoes, I just started putting them in pots in sunny spots where the ground was a little harder next to my deck and fence. I used the structures for staking them and it worked out well and didn’t take up “useable” space.

[@shakengrain1942]

Lotta good ideas in that, thanks! Not enough room in beds, but I have a deck being used for nothing, with nothing growing around it. Perfect home for tomatoes in pots.

[@debraclifton8213]

I would be a little nervous about cross pollination, I wasn't my large tomatoes too stay large. ( Isn't that possible)

[@hippocket31]

Love your vids! I'm a container gardener. This year I'm excited to try a Midnight Snack blue cherry tomato and a White Tomesol. I'll be growing them in 25 gallon tubs. I'm intrigued by those little heart shaped tomatoes! Keep us posted on them, please.

[@NextLevelGardening]

I will

[@maureenroberts5272]

This was awesome. I learned so much and although I started my seeds already, I'm going to try this process. Thank you

[@bellebowen4737]

I love yellow tomatoes. Installed 2 garden beds and cant wait

[@fauxgrace]

Kellogg's Breakfast is the BEST. I took your word for it last year and couldn't be happier. It makes a GREAT slicer - but it also made the best tomato sauce I've ever had in my life. Thank you again! Edit to add: I'm glad I'd not ordered cherry toms yet. Now I've got some Sweetheart cherry coming!

[@lupitacameron9693]

I’m trying Kellogg’s Breakfast tomatoes for the first time. Love the sungold cherry tomatoes and Brandywine.

[@sarahkniep1719]

I'm trying the Kellogg breakfast ones this year too. Really hoping they are as good as predicted!

[@patrickshelley1579]

Just found your channel, love it! I've learned so much in just a the half a dozen videos cant wait to see more. Eastern washington, in the ground date of may 15. Bring on the sunshine!!

[@sherihatley2219]

Eastern Washington here too. I love that I get advice for all locations. We are about 40 miles south of Spokane. Where are you?

[@patrickshelley1579]

@@sherihatley2219 we are in the Spokane area. Prepping soil and ready to plant. Soon as the snow is off mica peak lol. Some great information on his channel. I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks of binge watching his videos .

[@yvonnacrawford2109]

Cherokee purple and pineapple have the best flavor!!!

[@jujube2407]

@Kira Corydorable I got my Cherokee purple at baker creek...

[@sandytoner8561]

Cherokee purple is amazing! My favorite!

[@kittiew260]

Wow we totally same page. Got a Kellogg's as well as steakhouse to try. Black beauty the one I am excited to try.

[@glenns9557]

try-Carbon

[@trulylynn9941]

Tomatoes grow great in California not so easy here in N. Florida. However the tutorial is great! I have varieties that do good for me and one came from the grocery store! I couldn't believe it but I am growing them again. Thanks kid from granny in FL 🏝💋

[@nadinesawtell3267]

If your needs are small you can buy tomato sets. I remove the leaves along the stock leave the first 3-4 leaves and plant on the side to allow for root growth. I found that works. I usually buy 1-2 cherry 1-2 Roma and 1-2 beefsteak type of tomatoes

[@memyselfandi3242]

Great video! How often do you water the seedling while germinating and then once it started to grow?

[@jackwest5123]

Trying Mortgage Lifter and Celebrity for the first time this year. Also doing my old standbys Better Boy and SuperSweet 100.

[@sandrainontario6710]

That mortgage lifter will keep you in tomatoes all by itself!

[@darlasmith418]

Celebritys have always done great for me. I'm trying Mortgage Lifter this year myself.

[@sunnyba8e]

I grow morgage lifters every year! Didnt like celebrity last year. Growing San Marino this year. Loved Sugar Bush cherry.

[@sharona2982]

Thanks for the tips Brian. I am going to use this technique this year in seeding the tomatoes and not have to up pot the seedlings. YAY! I found clear-ish solo cups at the Dollar Tree in 12 oz. I'm excited because I should be able to see the roots developing!

[@DebraBPitts]

I am using clear cups, too, so the grandkids can see the roots!

[@vampiro664]

Your garden looks amazing.

[@8632tony]

I'm growing Porter Improved Cherry from 9 year old seed and some Roma tomatoes from seed saved from store tomatoes. Love the Romas with cottage cheese. Very little juice and very meaty.