Starting Tomato Plants (a Tomato Chat)

[@debbybrady1246]

I, too, discovered Solo cups 2 years ago. I start the seed with the cup filled to only half, then add soil as it grows. When it's about 4" tall and has had plenty of space to make great root system, I transplant. I start seeds in January. I have to grow early as it gets too hot in my area of Texas. Can't wait to see all of the videos with Eli.

[@susanmitchell8339]

Gardener Scott’s voice would be fantastic for children s stories

[@familygrows7627]

Ok this was possibly my favorite video of yours. I loved that you teamed up with Eli! Two amazing human beings what could be more wholesome?!

[@kerripatterson7117]

Eli is a treasure! And I don't think there's such a thing as a bad plant mom. I'm off to check out her channel! Thanks for a great tomato video.

[@eliandkate]

Awwwww right back at ya Kerri 😂

[@territrafton3100]

That was fun watching the two of you 👍.

[@eliandkate]

Absolutely brilliant. Loved it so much and can’t wait to hear all about your tomato growing and potting on ❤

[@cherylhowker1792]

Another giggle today 🙊 x

[@sportjunkie1]

What is the setup you have behind the you in this video?

[@yvonneankrah2527]

I LOVE THESE MASH UPS!!! Thank you Gardner Scott!!!!!

[@HablemosDelHuerto]

This is great information as I moved from Puerto Rico to Ocala FL (frost area) and benefit from this information and the different points of view. Thanks

[@heidiclark6612]

That was a great video with you and Eli! How fun! Thanks for all the great information. This will be fun to watch both of your progress.

[@chicgeekery]

Something my daddy taught me about starting plants-if you do have to thin out some that are too close, just pinch them off. Pulling them out can damage the one left to grow as the roots are intertwined. I saved a few tomato seeds to try growing for next year, crossing fingers.

[@NPC2_4_U]

I've used solo cups for a couple years now. I love em.

[@intheshop406]

Great job with the video. Comedic and informative 👌

[@maureenodonnell9600]

What a fun video! I just loved meeting Eli😊. I’m surprised you didn’t share your tomato experiment conducted last summer. Looking forward to your next one!

[@magsj2387]

Couldn’t stop smiling, great video! Looking forward to your next collaboration

[@danajensen2935]

I make tomato tarts a couple of times every summer; they are a great vegetarian dish! And pretty tomatoes do make a beautiful tart.

[@hugelpook]

Nicely done you two. Look forward to the next one.

[@brendamarker7351]

I enjoyed watching this video. I would like to see more of these videos including videos from Scotland! 😌

[@brendamarker7351]

I made the comment before seeing the end. Glad to hear you will be doing more videos with Eli

[@eliandkate]

I promise, I’ll invade his garden again 😂

[@sherielong7721]

Scott this is GREAT. Love the combo and the style of being neighbors !!!!! Awesome collaboration keep them coming.

[@cindynielson4231]

I just love the both of you and really enjoy this collaboration. Your sense of humor is great! TFS 👍👍 `

[@patriciawilliams2404]

Green tomato pie -- yum. I read somewhere to not use really hard and green tomatoes, but those with a little blush of maturity on them, for fried green tomatoes. I've followed the same advice for green tomato pie. And tomato-topped pizza -- oh my; how good. For juicy tomatoes you can slice and push out the gelatinous seed sections and salt 'n blot, or dry them in a low oven for a bit, prior to putting on pizza, or tart-ing it. I cant wait for summer!

[@barrycurran1985]

I eat fried green tomatoes so I would try Green Tomato Pie for sure... looking up a recipe right now for later in the Spring...

[@patriciawilliams2404]

@@barrycurran1985 You will enjoy, I am sure! Have fun!

[@adriennefabulous]

My two favorite gardening KZbinrs, in one video?! How did I get to be so lucky?

[@jefffarris1288]

Fun video! Scott, you’ve never tried a tomato tart? I love to make them. One of my favorite things to make with my tomatoes in summer is gazpacho. I love it because every ingredient comes from my garden: tomatoes, garlic, onion, green pepper and cucumber. 😋

[@barrycurran1985]

Awesome Video, Great information and real fun... You and Eli need a Gardening TV Series. That would be a big hit.. :-)

[@dustyflats3832]

Lol, don’t forget Kate! Somebody has to offer a cuppa😊

[@robinscontainergarden]

I absolutely *loved* this! So much fun 😊 It was not only entertaining, it was engaging and a really fun way to get out that information to your audience. I love the creativity and the banter - even 4,500 miles apart. I certainly will be looking forward to the next update from the three of you (yes, Kate is definitely included!) 💗

[@SarahsGarden2024]

Loved this collab 🥰🥰

[@MotosAllotmentGarden]

Great video 😊 lots of useful tomato information 👍

[@sandy-rr1by]

My large sized tomato skills have been less than grand, so this year I am only gonna grow small salad tomaotes...lots of them!!!

[@carole6779]

This format is so much fun. 😄What a great topic for you two to tag-team on! Love, love, LOVE it! The other "advantage" of starting tomatoes in a bigger pot is that it can keep me focused, lol. Because for me, when it comes to tomatoes, they are the gardener's version of "my eyes are bigger than my stomach"... more plants than I have a place for or can even give away. And when they start talking to me, it's quite the chorus. Wonderful tips here. Thanks so much for putting this together! 🌱🍅

[@marygrott8095]

This was a fun video to watch!

[@chinfuzzchet3616]

Driving every zone 7gardener crazy seeing mid-70s in February!

[@eliandkate]

Oh I wish…. 😊 it’s usually around 52f for us just now but spring is definitely coming

[@MK-ti2oo]

My last Frost date is supposed to be May29 or 30, last year I had consistent frosts until July 2nd. Mountain gardening is a frustrating beast sometimes. Black krim do wonderfully for me. Black prince, Ukrainian purple and Moskovich do really well for me too.

[@cynthiamartinez5884]

Hey Scott! This American has made a tomato tarte but only once. It was the beginning of winter when the last of my tomatoes I picked green in the fall were ripening. The recipe I used called for pesto which I had made in the summer and stocked in the freezer. Amazing! Tasted like summer! I look forward to making more this year.

[@eliandkate]

You tell him Cynthia 😂😂

[@cynthiamartinez5884]

@@eliandkate 😆 😆

[@leslienichols5268]

Two fun gardeners!

[@2galsfarmworks]

This video was awesome!!!! Love it. Eli and Scott are a Riot together. Great info… tons of fun 😂😂❤

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

I make a tomato tart!! Actually, it's an heirloom tomato tart (quiche) with gruyere cheese and pesto inside. OMG, I dream about that in winter. NY Times Cooking recipe except I sub in gruyere for the mozzarella cheese.

[@leslienichols5268]

And a similar version - tomato pie!

[@barrycurran1985]

OH That sound awesome, My wife and I love to make fried green tomatoes as soon as we have a few big ones, bu I need to try a tomato tart....... I would love that recipe.. I am searching for the NY Times Recipe online right now.. :-)

[@jamestboehm6450]

Starting peppers now, (NE Ohio) . Tomatoes grow and germinate faster. Next month, last frost is in middle of May. Growing many more paste this year and not many slicers. Most are heirloom developed for northern climates.

[@lindapangerl9484]

Such a great and fun video!😊 I am going to enjoy growing a couple of these new varieties along with you both!😊

[@sonnyamoran7383]

We make tomatoe pies. They are delicious 😋.

[@ernestoginebra9651]

Very nice video !!

[@jamessanders4310]

I found a u-pic tomato farm with the best tomatoes I ever tasted. Long story short, I saved some seeds last year and planted them this season. Started on Christmas Day and they are now producing a bumper crop (zone 9). I don't know the name of the tomato and t doesn't matter.

[@walterwillis5351]

Here in the Seattle/Tacoma area - I don't start plants indoors (yet), but do buy plants from local sources. I get larger tomatoe plants - maybe 18" - in order to get a bit of a head start in growth. What limits me is not so much frost, but Fall cooling to temps where tomatoes will not ripen very well which usually starts late September/early October. I usually put the plants in the garden at the end of April. The spot I plant them in gets the hot noon day sun but is usually in shade by 5 PM - full light starting around 10 AM (trees on the eastern edge, house on the western edge). Cherry tomatoes, Roma, Early Girl - those do well and we get a good steady supply. I have tried some like Beefsteak and they took too long and we did not get many tomatoes. Last year I could not work on the garden due to injury, but I did get a good crop of wheat (thanks to the straw I had put down the prior Fall). Which was just as well because we stayed unusually cool and wet until June - temps were below what was good for growing anything except lettuce, peas, and wheat. Looking forward to getting out there this year to try some new tomatoes and some new winter squash varieties. Hope this Spring is a normal, warmish one. And going to try some of the things Scott has shown in his videos.

[@jaytoney3007]

Larger varieties take longer to reach maturity and ripen. Look for smaller tomatoes that are prolific producers, determinant or semi determinant varieties, and hybrids. Early Girl, Grand Marshall, and Celebrity Tomatoes should do well with your growing season.

[@walterwillis5351]

@@jaytoney3007 That is why I grow the ones I do - after running the garden for 20 years I know what grows well with the location I have and timeframe. Thinking of expanding east a bit to hopefully catch more 'hot' sun. Not sure what the wife will think of that. ;)

[@juliehorney995]

Eli is a hoot! Great idea to combine efforts. So fun!

[@NPC2_4_U]

The south side of my house is well protected and I have a nice micro climate there. That's where I grow tomatoes.

[@debbybrady1246]

Great video. Sure enjoyed Eli.

[@peterhall2810]

Hi, this is the second video I've watched on your channel. The first was when you were showing the seeds you had selected for the trial. BTW I live in York, UK and our last frost day is mid May and First Mid September. I was surprised you weren't growing more determinate (bush) plants. Because my season is so short I grow varieties like Glacier, Siberia and Sub Arctic Plenty as well as Siletz and Black Sea Man for larger fruit. I have a recommendation for Scott, try Heidi - an African Variety, plum shaped and good for sandwiches and paste. Most importantly this vsriety is used to the heat in Africa and will still flower and fruit in very warm temperatures. It is determinate and 70-75 days to harvest. I hope you find this information useful.

[@johnjude2685]

I use beverage containers and cutting them down to 6 inches and place in 5 inches of my seedlings starting mixture peatmoss and permimix and worm casting equal parts plus 1 tps. micorizomes . I don't transplant but once so I don't damage roots. I had very vigorous plants last season and extra early plants put mine out may 15 after frost date and 60 degrees soil temperature and you said 60 degrees last year I saw grow within 2 days of most plants and definitely within a week. Thanks for helping me

[@dustyflats3832]

Lol! I was trying to figure out how you both do the timing. Great idea and I’ve not seen this done before except for previous video. No Kate? No cupcake for you two😂 With all this planting be done and talked about I’m holding tight to the reins to not plant too soon. I don’t like those connected seed trays because if some seeds don’t germinate then the soil sits there causing problems and it’s difficult to mix different seeds unless you do pot them up right away. I’m trying 2” reusable pots this year. I’m adding 2 weeks to my last frost date to count back from to start the seeds according to packet instructions. This should cover the hardening off time and waiting for the right plant out time without creating monster plants-I don’t want blossoms before it’s time. Bought a soil thermometer also because to set a warm weather crop out too soon only sets them back a lot no matter if you cover them. The one thing I use to do was milk jugs used as cloches. They are beneficial, but still that soil needs to be warm enough. Great job, always a pleasure.

[@WILLITGROW]

this video was well done with great info sir thumbs up from me.

[@kburkes4245]

Loved it! Two of my favorite gardeners in one ❤️

[@eliandkate]

Awwwwwww ❤

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Very helpful

[@MrYatesj1]

Great show, excellent info, growing season in Oregon is a bit shorter than most as we get the early rain which is not frost but just as bad.

[@Garden-of-weeden]

Yay love it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@k.p.1139]

I said it in the chat today, and will say it again. Scott, you put that video out at the perfect time for me. I had already started my tomatoes, but they were only starting to pop out of the soil. They went straight into a big boy pot..and POOF! They flat took off. I am going to stick with this method! This has been the most stress free tomato starts, ever, for me.

[@fisk7370]

Thumbs up👍

[@jenndowning8676]

I don't comment too often on videos, but I really thought this was fun as well as informational. Looking forward to watching more of your collabs and hopping over to Eli's channel to check it out too :)

[@eliandkate]

Imagine how fun it was for us to make 😊

[@jenndowning8676]

@@eliandkate yes! I'm looking forward to seeing you call to Scott over the fence. Poor Kate. :)

[@redhandspunhandwoven6512]

Scott, you and Eli are a great pair. Thanks for all the smiles today! My late night, insomnia fueled seed buying expeditions are heavily influenced by how pretty they are. I do retain some sanity tho - I see only 1 out of the 100 tomato varieties I have is over 90 days. I do like my tomatoes a little bigger for planting out, as we have heavy flea beetle pressure in the community garden. Experimenting with different approaches to managing the situation has lead me to the 'big enough to survive the first 3 weeks of munching' solution. Looking forward to more duets with Eli. Red

[@redhandspunhandwoven6512]

PS - would love to have a chat re: the practical effect of the amount and intensity of sun we get here on effectively lengthening our season. I've experimented a bit & come to the conclusion that some things just grow faster here this close to the sun. For the same reason we need to wear more sunscreen

[@GardenerScott]

The intensity does make a difference. I've mentioned in a few videos, but I appreciate your idea for a dedicated chat. Thanks.

[@redhandspunhandwoven6512]

@@GardenerScott I look forward to it. I know there's science on it (and now I will have to find the latest studies). I explain this a lot to my mom (PA) and her garden buddies.

[@WilReid]

That last question is a head scratcher for me. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or something right. Last year I started tomato seeds on Feb 4th, separated and up-potted at least once (I can't remember if I did those at the same time) to the 3.5"x3.5"x5" square pots then transplanted on April 12th. Most of my plants were well over the 6-10" suggested here, and some were over 30" tall vines already. I planted those horizontally only leaving 4-8" above ground, but they were so difficult to manage in heavy wind while hardening off that I waited until Feb 20th this year to start seeds. My peppers were in the 6-10" range at 9 weeks, but most of my tomatoes were in that range after only 5 weeks. Seed starting mix was 4:1 peat/coir:perlite (sifted 1/4"), 1/5-1/4 cup Espoma Bio-Tone per gallon (1 cup per 5 gallon bucket), and some worm poop (1-2 cups per 5gal bucket). Then they got half strength Miracle Gro as their watering 1 time per week (I chose Sunday to keep it easy to remember) after getting first true leaves.

[@farmerbizzlethebackyardgar2242]

Great collaboration video

[@margaretalice6343]

Eli I know what ya mean about what the tomatoes look like. I’ve grown marmande for two years. Some are so ugly but they taste fantastic. I’m looking for taste but a handsome Tom 🤩

[@sandy-rr1by]

For my inside starting, I really like using pans or trays with no dividers.

[@kellielander3481]

This collaboration is pure genius and full of fun. I’m really enjoying learning this way and growing tomatoes with ya’ll. You guys are really taking global gardening to the next level. Absolutely brilliant!

[@marleneschoeneck3276]

Both fun and informative! Great gardening duo!💜

[@garynorcal4269]

Fun video.

[@jaytoney3007]

I use how long the tomatoes are going to be in the pot to determine the size that I use. I have seed starts for Large Red Cherry, Black Cherry, Sunset Bumble Bee, Sun Gold, Super Sweet 100, Bonny Best, Arkansas Traveler, Martino's Roma, Celebrity, Grand Marshall, Thronburn's Terra-Cotta, and Dad's Sunset Tomato plants. I am planting the shorter varieties inside my greenhouse in about a week, so a 2.5 x 1 inch cell is large enough. The cherry tomatoes, and Arkansas Traveler don't have the protection of the greenhouse, and won't be going into the ground until after April 10th, weather provided. They need a larger pot for root space. Most have been started in 2.5 x 2.5 inch cells and are okay as they are. A few (Arkansas Traveler) will have to be up-potted in about a week to give the roots more growing space. About the same time, I will have to divide and up-pot my pepper plants. 1 plant per 2.5 x 1 inch cell is okay, as they are slower growing plants. My Swiss Chard, spinach, bunching onions, and mustard are in one inch starter cells. They are large enough, and will be transplanted into my garden this week. Raised beds 1,2, and three are ready for planting tomatoes, radishes, onions, and lettuce. Peas are sprouting in 25 gallon containers. Raised beds 4 & 5 have been sown with radishes and beetroot. Raised bed 6 is ready for seeding--today. Preparing raised bed 7 is next on the list with planting strawberry plants in a GreenStalk. Raised bed 8, and GreenStalk #2 stay dormant until April. I have hundreds of plants to plant. I am just getting started.

[@ginninadances]

Cute!

[@mags9536]

Loved this😃 great fun 👍👏

[@maryburt3114]

watched your video on you giving a tower to the couple in scotland. If you were willing to buy one and pay the price to ship it to them , you convenced me it was worth the cost. I bought 2 of the inventer bundles tonight. now just need to know how much and how often to feed the fertalizer.

[@eliandkate]

So you and us learning to grow in these together Mary I’m so excited 🎉

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Mary. They are used like any other container or pot. I add slow-release fertilizer to my potting soil at setup. Depending on the plant, it may or may not need additional fertilizer.

[@missyl9013]

Great video! Where did you purchase those green seed trays, those a the perfect size!

[@antonia5682]

Hi, I'm a new subscriber and am so enjoying your tomato videos with Eli! :)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Antonia. Welcome to the channel.

[@antonia5682]

@@GardenerScott Thank you! :D

[@richardmassoth8237]

But Gardener Scott, a tomato tart is very similar to a pizza with tomato slices covering the top. So, we do do make a form of tomato pie or tart in the US.

[@scheralgreider5406]

I've always have problems in early July with tomato horn worm.

[@LTeppler]

Great discussion. I'll look forward to more. I like grape tomatoes for eating raw, but I do depend on cherry tomatoes for most of my curries. They are dead simple to freeze and toss in a pot. Scott, do you ever use large companies for your seeds? Such as (Le gasp) get them from the store...or do you stick to smaller independent producers with specialty varieties?

[@GardenerScott]

I use seeds from many sources, including large companies. I prefer smaller producers because I often seek specific varieties.

[@brandb1911]

Thanks for this Scott and Eli! Great information. I live in zone 5b too. It's been a rough winter but I'm excited to start my 1st garden this year and tomatoes are going to be the star of the show. It's so great to hear the information you give about your zone. Colorado has some insane weather. I do want to try sunflowers and pop corn but I'm concerned with the wind. Any tips on how you combat the harsh winds we get here for taller crops?

[@GardenerScott]

I trellis most of my tall plants because of the wind. Planting near a fence or house can cut down on some of the impact too.

[@dustinhaus1165]

There are some things I use the little "pro-hex" trays for, Some things I start in a 3" pot. The important thing for me is that there is no consumables involved, Nothing I am buying every year, and destroying, Like a peat pot, or peat trays. Even in a wet zone 4. I direct sow A LOT of things. Only so much that I do start indoors, Peppers and tomatoes get started Mar 25th. 2 weeks later I seed the cabbage, bok choy, lettuce. Things that can get into the ground as soon as/shortly after it is workable

[@lukealexander4512]

Great video! Definitely, going to grow some tomatoes from suckers. Do you plan on making a video on homemade remedies from garden plants in the future? Strangely, some people grow tobacco to then soak in water and use it as an insecticide.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Luke. I don't have a remedy video planned but I mention various methods in other videos.

[@noraalvarado8178]

I never look at the length of time that it takes to grow a tomatoe or the looks so much of it. Taste is what I'm interested in. If it cracks alittle like Cherokee Purple or Black Krim I don't care. I grow alot of tomatoes and all kinds. I use peat pods and put the tray in my furnace room. When they germinate after a week I just put the whole pod in a red solo cup with potting soil.

[@christopherstiles6677]

Question for Gardner Scott, or anyone who knows the answer. Sowed my tomato scions and rootstock four days ago. Saw no growth two days ago and failed to check on them yesterday as I assumed there would be little if any change in one day. Looked at them this afternoon and the rootstock (Maxifort) had all grown more than two inches. Now I have leggy seedlings and leggy rootstock is no good. There is plenty of time to sow again but I'd need to reorder the rootstock seeds. The sprouts are only two days old and are now under the grow light. Will they recover and be usable as rootstock or should I start over? Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

It's hard to correct legginess once it happens. Increasing the light intensity and/or moving light closer to plants can help. Because you can bury tomato stems and get more roots along the stem, that is one way to lessen the problem. You might consider that with the rootstock.

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

🤣Awesome

[@brianramsey3824]

Does your guest have a channel? I found something in the description but the link wasnt good

[@GardenerScott]

Here it is: www.youtube.com/@eliandkate

[@chicosgarden]

Another great video. I love these mash ups with Eli. Long may they continue. A lot of great info, thank you!

[@mylightofhope]

Enjoyed this video! Lol the subtle humor made it even more enjoyable 😁. I saw your other video GS on starting tomato plants and that's exactly what I had intended to do this year with my tomatoes. I'm actually considering same with peppers. The one thing i am curious about is if you use a potting mix or still a seed starter mix for those tomatoes? Pretty sure you I've seen you make your own and I have the stuff to make my own too, just wasn't sure which to do for the bigger pots starting.

[@GardenerScott]

I use both seed starter mix and potting mix. In the bigger pots, most is potting mix with a small amount of seed starter at the top for easy germination.

[@mylightofhope]

@@GardenerScott explained perfectly, thank you! Hadn't thought about it like that.

[@erictownsend4236]

What a GREAT you tube video!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love watching both of you!!!!!!! OK, since you are both on, I am going to go TOTALY off script! He He He, can't wait for the response! I am a 66 year old American from New England. Eli, why do gardeners from across the pond call beets, (beet roots)? Do you classify carrots, parsnips and turnips roots as well? If so, why not classify them as root's as well? Carrot root's etc.. Maybe there is some scientific difference ? Where beets are a root veg. and the other's are not? I am aware most gardeners will often eat beet leave's ( tops ) over the tops other the vegetable's mentioned. But, usually, then it is stated as eating beet green's, not eating beet root tops. ? Which side of the pond is correct? In your opinion! Me! ? My side!!!!!! Beets are beets, not Beet Roots. I am planting Beets, Carrots, Parsnips etc.! I am not planting a root! I plant a beet seed to grow a beet, a carrot seed to grow a carrot. Not a root to grow a beet Ouch!, I might get hurt on this post! I am chuckling as I write this! Waiting for your reply! Don't cheat and ask Kate! ET

[@OmaBarbaraH]

Gardener Scott, Is it a problem if the tomatoes are bigger when put out in the garden?

[@GardenerScott]

Bigger is relative. I've put 24"-30" plants in the garden and they suffered from the shock. For me, "bigger" is up to about 12"-15".

[@racebiketuner]

I like your old format better.

[@JSAC66]

Me, too, I did not find this helpful at all.

[@adampetherick6266]

Heirloom tomatoes the sweetness saving for seeds colour different varieties heirloom tomato how many of those cannot find into grocery stores

[@EG-xc6vx]

Make tomato tart! Make tomato tart! Lol! No, really. :)

[@eliandkate]

😂😂😂😂 you tell him E. G.

[@noraalvarado8178]

I'm in N.Y zone 6a.

[@DanlowMusic]

We have way too many slugs here in WA. Lol

[@denaross]

I have not been able to get your Amazon Ink to work…

[@GardenerScott]

I don't know why. I just checked it and it works. It's not a special store page, but just a link to Amazon. www.amazon.com/?tag=gardenerscott-20

[@denaross]

@@GardenerScott thanks for trying….I still just get the Amazon home page….might be my location 🇨🇦

[@GardenerScott]

@@denaross It's working. The Amazon home page is the expected result, but anything you buy benefits the channel. Thanks for your support.

[@denaross]

@@GardenerScott ok that makes sense! I thought there was an affiliate link with your preferred products. Thank you!

[@dollyperry3020]

In the Garden with Eli and Kate www.youtube.com/@eliandkate The link above didn't work for me. Excellent Video!

[@eliandkate]

Hey Dolly Click on our smiley faces in this comment if the link isn’t working or the video Scott put on screen at the end of his video. He always ads great video suggestions at the end ❤