Growing Tomatoes - Seeds to Fruit

Gardeners can choose either to buy seeds or a partially grown plant for their gardens. Those "purest", who insist on growing tomatoes from seeds, however, should be aware of how to start the plant and care for it as it matures.

After a second week, the seeds should be emerging out of the soil. You may see baby cotyledon leaves at this point. They should be green, a marker that they�re getting the light they crave to grow properly.The planted seeds will need a warm place to grow. And once the stems poke out of the soil, a good light source will become necessary as well. This can be achieved either with natural sunlight (as on a windowsill) or with florescent light bulbs.It will take about a week for the plants to germinate, or emerge from the seeds. If you have multiple varieties of tomato plants in the container, carefully label them, as they will all look alike at this stage.The new container should be larger than the old one, but once again the soil in it should be well moistened before the plant is placed inside. Dig a hold for the plant and then place it into the container so that the roots are completely covered. You can also bury part of the stem, as tomatoes tend to grow new roots along buried stems. Gently water the plants and ensure that they are once again placed in a warm, sunny environment.Have you ever wondered why do people grow tomatoes in a container even when they have a yard or garden? Well, the answer is simply for better control, flexibility and convenience.* HEAVE-HO: An exhibitor carries in his produce, above and, top,Marlene and David Willoughby of the Yorkshire Gladioli Society and steward Rosalyn Hulme hauls a giant cabbage in to position. (AC130811Bshow-10) Purchase: www.examiner.co.uk/buyaphoto 01484 430000 ext 7778Among the edibles were giant leeks, tomatoes, cauliflowers and gigantic cabbages.CAPTION(S):When to harvest the tomatoes from your plants depends on the variety of tomato planted. Heirloom tomatoes should not be harvested until they are fully ripe, but slicers can be harvested at any stage.

When to harvest the tomatoes from your plants depends on the variety of tomato planted. Heirloom tomatoes should not be harvested until they are fully ripe, but slicers can be harvested at any stage.

Author: Adam Bradley