Last Sunday, I took a class on how to germinate tomato seeds with Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farms. It was a great class with lots and lots of ideas for getting the most out of your garden tomatoes. During the class we sow a flat of seeds, which we take home and then are supposed to nurture into seven foot tall tomato plants, laden with so many fruits that my small garden plot will solve world hunger. Well, at least some are supposed to survive, and then hopefully thrive.
I saw my first little shoots this morning, they are just the smallest little white roots sticking out. I was expecting to see them tomorrow at the earliest, so it is exciting to see the little buggers fighting their way out of the soil.
Now they are sitting uncovered, on a seedling heating mat. I still need to get a cheap grow light and a small fan in order to do what Cynthia told us to do. And since she's the "crazy tomato lady" I'm gonna listen to what she says!
In a few weeks, they should be big enough to transplant into slightly bigger pots. Then, hopefully, by May 1st, I'll have quite a few plants to put in the ground. I've promised a few starters to my in-laws as well... and with a potential (if all seeds germinate and survive) 144 tomato plants, I might be looking for homes for my babies.