Topic: Tomatoe seed germination ?

[tim]

Just a thought, Chris - it is normally reckoned better to get a well established root system, in plugs or similar, before potting on. In general, a root system should have filled its present container before being moved on.

But then yes - 3", or even better, 4".

[Chris Graham]

I knew you were full of knowledge, thanks for that Tim.

Need to remember for next season. 

Cheers

;)

[tim]

Of course, contrarywise, you sow a seed in an open plot??

[Robert_Brenchley]

I put a whole batch of small seeds into a 3-inch pot, then plant them out into individual pots later.

[Chris Graham]

Just in a greenhouse for me, but i was thinking of planting some in 9" pots on the patio.

[Barnowl]

I've just been looking at pots. and although it does depend how deep they are, perhaps 9" is a little small.

On average a 9" pot holds less than 10 litres and I would have thought that a bit below what a tomato plant needs........ I'm sure someone here can give a definitive answer.

[LucyJ]

Am I being silly but grow bags aren't that big are they?

Lucy

[Barnowl]

I think th enromal size ones are around 35 - 40 litres.

[LucyJ]

Ahh can you tell I'm new to all this!

[Barnowl]

It's surprising isn't it - they don't look that big.

I've now found a couple of sites that recommend 10-15 litres per plant.

[tim]

Hence 3 to a Growbag?

But, to my mind, that gives you undesirable crowding.

[Jeannine]

Tim I agree, 3 to a bag is too much whatever the bag says, even if the soil in the bag was enough, the space between them would be grossly insufficient, they would be much too crowded. XX Jeannine

[greyhound]

I wouldn't use pots less than 12 inches.  Stability is a consideration too - even these can go over in a blustery wind.  Best I find are those square plastic planters - nothing seems to shift them.

[tim]

A typical, good growbag is 36". Three plants allows 12" between. Including those in the next bag.  Two plants allows 18" all through.

Since Peppers & Aubergines spread to 24" or more, even this is pushing it?

[machman5]

On the subject of germination, can anyone tell me if my seedlings are failing?  I had them germinated in 1 week by putting them on top of the fish tank, this was on the 10th Feb.  Despite turning them and then using foil behind them, they haven't grown any more at all!  I have been putting them onto the sunny windowsills this week as it's been so lovely but still nothing.  I even transplanted them all into little 5cm pots 4 days ago but still, nothing.  They are all still pert and sturdy, just not growing any extra leaves.
Help  ???
Donna