So It Begins, Seed Starting Tomatoes

Well gardening time is almost here for 2024. A favorite part for me is starting seeds. One it gives me an excuse in my least favorite time of year (February ) to do a project. Two it allows me to grow plants you cannot typically find already started. I’ve said it before, if not for my love of a eating a fresh tomato I do not know that I’d go the the trouble of gardening! The tray pictured below has four varieties of tomatoes started in a 162 cell tray I bought from Hoss Tools. I’ve started these varieties:

1. Bradley Tomatoes: I planted these this year because it is the tomatoes my grandpa grew. He loved Bradley Tomatoes!
2. Black Zebra Cherry Tomatoes: This is my first time to grow these tomatoes. They look good so I just wanted to give it a try.
3. Red Sapper Tomato: Probably my favorite slicer I’ve grown. I plant these ever year.
4. Sun Gold Cherry Tomato: My favorite cherry tomato. They’re delicious. I usually don’t make it to the house with any after picking them. I usually eat them on my way in!

Here’s a few picture of my seed starting setup. I’ve never used a greenhouse as I used to have a seed starting area in my utility room. I’m heating this with small electric heater. It has cooled off again but it was keeping the greenhouse heat to a little above 80 degrees. I’ve got it turned down but could get it back to that temperature if I wanted. I’ve learned in seed starting that having an abundance of light is key. The ones pictured here are just some LED lights I bought at Wal-Mart.

They’ll need watering this afternoon after work!