I've legit pulled tomato plants, snapped them in few places so they fit in the compost and within a few weeks they were growing up and out the bin towards the sun, the buggers didn't wanna give up
I'm an old retired guy and I've been gardening since I was a kid. This is the best way to start tomatoes! I have nothing to add. By far, my favorite tomato in the Hungarian Heart. I get the seeds from Baker Creek. They frequently get over 2 pounds and are great meaty sandwich tomatoes. The down side is, they can take a long time to mature because of their size. A lot depends on the weather. I experiment with other tomatoes. I like to grow some for canning. This year I'm going to plant some Amish Paste tomatoes.
Using the vermiculite is a game changer for me with all my seed starts. I do apply it dry over the soil (easier to work with) and the mist it in. Thanks for the great video!
Hey Brian, I am a relatively new gardener and I have learned so much from watching your videos! I have stumbled upon a great tip for those of us who don't have the more expensive grow light. If you cut your red solo cups down about 1/4 inch below the last ring, you can plant your tomatoes in them and they can be 1-2 in from the light. When they have sprouted and you want to grow more roots simply place it inside an uncut solo cup and add more soil. Just make sure your holes in the bottom line up!
This is a great idea. I was wondering how you get the light close enough to the plant when it first germinates and is way doe at the bottom of the cup.
Last year was my first time growing paste tomatoes and I went with San Marzano. They were massively abundant and so delicious! I got the plants in the ground the first week of June (zone 5a, late frost + 1 week of rain) and they were still growing in October/November. I had to cut them at their base and allow them to ripen inside in late Oct, which yielded another 25 pounds. So I am thinking I will start them earlier this year and keep potting up until it's safe to plant them.
Love his idea of starting them all in tall pots (solo cups in this case). I always start from seed and end up potting up multiple times to keep up with them growing and trying to bury the stems more. This seems like much less stress on the plants (and me!).
This will be my 1st year starting all my plant's from seeds I don't do a great deal but enough to enjoy the cycle of growing my own vegetables thank you for this video I will use the knowledge you've given me
I have been following and implementing the growth of my tomato plants in this manner. I would’ve been so shocked at how fast they have grown outgrown the cups and they are strong, healthy tomatoes. Thank you very much. I love this way of planting tomatoes.
This is awesome. I added a tbsp of used coffee grounds and because I don't have a heat mat I put the box under my bed where it is close to the heat vents. Within 5 days it was up touching the dome. Cool stuff. I glean what I can as I want to be successful this year. I've dabbled at growing some veggies but typically focus on herbs. My goal is to stay clear of the stores and having my own source of food in my backyard
I live in show low az only been gardening for a few years. Had so many problems starting seeds till I saw one of your video starting seed the right way, I just wanna say thank you for all the great advice 👍 I've had great success since I applied your method
Great show. I’ve been watching you for some time. Your advice tripled my tomato growth last year. I use solo cups but in the past I started in smaller cups and transplanted into the solo cups. What a great way to start in the solo cup and add soil. Thank you. You are the best 👍
I'm growing in containers so i already started many tomatoes I just move them in and out of the house as the temps get cooler at night. so far, I'm growing large cherry, Big Boy, and an unknown variety I had seeds for, but the label was lost. also plan on getting some beef steak starters at the nursery. my plan is to have plenty to give the neighbors and freeze some for cooking. I hope I have enough energy for my gardening ambition lol.😉
I am planting Kellogg’s Breakfast for the first time this year (thanks for the rec) and have grown Sun Gold the last 2 years. Love them! For my solo cups, I use me scissors and snip 3 good sized slits along the bottom edge. You should try it. Was easy and drains well.
I’m gonna give it a try. Last year I threw a Compari in my planning bed and I had to meet is coming out. That was it. Thanks for your instructions. I really appreciate them.
Found you today. I've been vegetable gardening for many years. I love growing from seed too. many seeds are from the year before seeds. love watching this in Jan 2022.
Thank you for this video. Today, I started Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Early Girl, Mortgage Lifter, and Super Sweet 100. I love trying different types of tomatoes. I will probably start a few more varieties. I used a 1/4-inch drill bit and drilled through the whole stack of cups at one time. Easy peasy. Used Espoma seed starting mix, vermiculite on top, covered each cup with saran wrap and a rubber band, put the cups in aluminum baking pans and placed on a heat mat.
thank you for helping me get started with my seeds. Before my son passed away he bought me Roma tomato seeds for my birthday. I want these to grow more than anything. I feel confident after watching your video.
I watched an older video of your showing this way of growing tomatoes and knew I had to try it. I even bought some red solo cups just for this purpose, and did my drainage holes with a soldering iron. I have loads of buckets that I've repurposed into growing pots using the same method of inserting drainage. I have planted my seeds, and they are in my greenhouse. I'm in the UK, and while we're having a remarkably warm spell for March (it was 17C today), that's probably going to drop off in a few days, and get chilly again. I'm growing Gardeners Delight and Tumbling Toms this year.
I’ve taken all of your advice and I can attest to the accuracy of it. It works folks! If you want your garden game to be it’s best you best be following Brian’s advice!!!
Great reminders and instructions. I live in zone 3 so too soon for me. Since I have short season I grow Early Girls and still struggle to get many. Love your detailed information 👍
I'm trying a whole lot of heat tolerant tomatoes this year: Zapotec, Floradade, Black cherry, Flamenco, Kewalo, Super Sioux, Black Krim, and a variety bred in Arizona, Wickenburg-Prescott Heirloom. And that's my FIRST planting, I plant a second crop in July after the first batch is killed by the 110 temperatures in June despite my 50% shade cloth! I also like Tasmanian Chocolate, Czech Bush, Principe de Borghese, and Silvery Fir Tree, They will go in the second planting, along with a Thorburn's Terra Cotta (free Baker Creek sample). You can also plant young peppers and eggplants deeply so they root along the stem, but they should not be woody.
Well I've watched a couple of your videos and getting up the courage to try tomatoes and cukes. I have failed in the past but I keep trying. Tomorrow I'll get seeds and get started following ALL your instructions!
I've done them this way for years! I start them new years day, about 12 weeks before last frost. I just barely cover the bottom, maybe an inch. I keep covering the base as it grows. Mycorrhizae in the potting mix helps keep bad fungus and bacteria at bay and improves root growth. By the time my area (8b) hits 60 at day and above 40 at night, they go outside. No hardening off.
Commercial seed trays have humidity retaining covers. In the red cups, turn a zip baggy upside down over the cup and cinch up the zip seal around the cup. Instant humidity seal. dent the baggy down in the middle so condensation goes back in the cup.
Wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago. I used the solo cups, but filled them about 3/4 full. Oh well. Love my new VS lights! They are amazing! I purchased 2, I’ll add 2 more next season. I started 117 solo cups, I have 115 germinated. Also purchased some Neptune products. I’ll start fertilizing next week. So excited for this growing season. My favorite tomatoes are Pomadoro Italian tomatoes. Best sauce tomatoes. Black Cherry is my favorite cherry tomato. They are so sweet, perfect breakfast good. Thank you for sharing your passion for gardening. Makes me a better gardener ❤️❤️
Thanks for the great advice! I am trying your method this year, using the heat mat, the solo cups, and the Vivospectra growlight. You used a clear cup that held the solo cup in a similar video, and that is the method I will use as well. I am looking forward to FINALLY having success with my tomatoes this year thanks to your advice.
I just use some snips around the bottom edge of my.solo cups, I also write the names on the sides too. I love Juliet tomatoes, great flavor and makes great salsa & sauces. Like Brads Atomic grape, and Black Krim and trying lots of new seeds too! FUN!
This method works beautifully for tomato.....I tried this method with additional cuke and basil seeds with great results. The cucumbers' (spacemaster) roots were showing at the bottoms of the cups within 2 weeks and the stems very strong. I was surprised to find the cuke's root ball quite saturated when I transplanted to a larger container. Therefore, I continued to feed from the bottom using a tray....Spacemasters are bush-style plants, so I will continue this method throughout their growth.
Cause of your channel I’m growing Sun Gold this season as well as San Marzano, Glacier, and Red Pride. Yup Solo cups from the dollar store work great 👍🏼
Hello Sir. This is the first year, I will grow tomatoes from seed. I, RUclipsd "growing tomatoes from seed" and found your site. Great information and well done video! And yes, I subscribed, and will watch more of your videos! Many/many and many growers out there...thank you for putting together "Next Level Gardening!"
Thanks for your video. I am in full progress with my tomato starts. Waiting for the night temps to stay in 50’s. My favorites to grow are: #1 Amish Paste because they are prolific and make great sauce and salsa. #2 Brandywine and Cherokee purple are tied for their flavors .
I just discovered your channel and am so happy to have found you! I have been binge watching your videos to prepare for this year's growing season. Love what I am learning!
My favorite, all time guaranteed good producing tomato is the celebrity. Tastes great, grows in clusters. Pretty disease resistant good fresh, frozen or canned. I'm not into heirlooms. I've tried many over the years and we really aren't huge tomato people. I also grow a Roma variety. This year I'm scaling back to just one of each. It's just the 2 of us. Planning on a large planting of various potatoes. Not doing sweet potatoes either. Still have lots from last year. I started Bueno Mulato peppers. Got my heat mat and the grow light just came. I'm trying the vermiculite on top of the soil. I have 7 of the 8 I planted up. Always good ideas. Thank you. Got your book ordered and will here the end of the month 👍
My first year. Greenhouse is going great. I did buy 2 XS1000 grow lights. They seem awesome. Peppers just popped up. Fixen to germinate and start tomatoes. Love the videos. Thx
Brian - we plant Amish paste, Chadwick cherry, Beefsteak, Black Krim and Roma. Will be training them to grow up the cattle guards we just got this year - same with the beans, cucumbers, peas, okra, melons and squashes. Judi
Zone 5 Ontario, Canada -- LOVE Juliet tomatoes (hybrid), indeterminate, prolific, super tasty and don't split. Great to freeze whole... skins slip right off when thawed. Have ordered Sun Gold seeds... looking forward to some great sweet snacks. Am also trying new variety for me this year, Verona, that is supposed to be similar to Juliets but larger.
My favourites are Pineapple, a large juicy yellow/orange variety, and Juliet, looks like a mini Roma, or large meaty grape tomato. I also love Dancing with Smurfs, a purplish blue cherry tomato that turns bluish red when ripe. Delicious and beautiful!
My favorite tomatoes are Paul Robeson, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Thornburg Terra Cota. Your instructions are very helpful and helps us to be successful. I've been gardening for decades even as a child. I live in the high desert of Ca. My fertilizer is 511 fish emulsion plus I also use worm castings and Amend soil.
My favorite tomato that my grandfather grew is Ace VF55. I now live now on the North coast of California and for the colder climate I grow Oregon Spring and Siberian
Clairemont mesa guy here. I learned much from this video. I'm not prepared to do seeds though. But I'm gonna get some fewvtomato plants from home depot already started. I have to grow in pots because my sunny in ground areas are filled with pepper plants. Thanks for video.
Thank you! Great Info. New this year for me I set up a grow light station with shop lights from Walmart. $20 each. Put 2 long 4 ft lights on my 4ft shelf. Got the shelf from Target. $80. Only using 1 shelf. The rest is for storage & dry goods from old pantry cabinet. With heat mat mine came up within 5 days.
Hi Brian! Another great video. I used your string lowering method to grow my larger tomatoes last spring, and they are STILL GROWING! They didn’t produce any tomatoes from mid-November until mid-February, then started flowering and now have several large Dr. Wyche yellow tomatoes on one plant. I really neglected the plants over the winter and just never got around to pulling them out. The plants themselves look pretty sad, but it sure is nice to have large yellow tomatoes in March!
I don't have an nice warm place to do this so I'm going to use the milk jug method and then transplant into the cups to finish them getting up to speed.
My favorite is 4th of July and Sun Gold! I know your not fond of Red Tomatoes but the 4th of July is a little bit bigger than a cherry and have amazing flavor like a beef steak! Heavy producer too through the Fall here in Zone 7. Thank you for all the videos!
1 thing I am surprised that you didn't mention is that the bracnes you cut off can easily be used to propagate more plants. It's a great way to reduce the amount of seeds you need or to make up for poor germination.
I've covered my seeds with fine vermiculite, perlite or finely-screened potting soil. All work well and I haven't noticed a difference among them. And my favorite tomatoes are Sungold, Early Girl, Better Boy and Sweet Million. I usually grow two or three other varieties each season. Last year I tried 4 other varieties: Caiman, Arbason, Mortgage Lifter and Super Fantastic. All did well, but the Super Fantastic did the best.
I have a very small garden, so I can put more time and effort into the tomato plants that I start. (two or three plants). I begin much the same way that you show, except that I use nice tall styro cups. I start them about 10 weeks before the last frost date, and when the styro cup is too short, I cut it off carefully, and put the plants in a half gallon milk jug with the top cut off. I leave enough of the handle so they are easy to pick up. I keep filling them as the plant grows, hardening them off starting May 1and by the time planting time comes, (around May 15 or so here in zone 6), I have transplants with a LOT of sturdy roots, filling the jug. I cut off the jug and plant them horizontally in a trench with only a few leaves showing above the soil. As a result, I get tomatoes way before the usual time, and my plants are almost always healthier and pest resistant. By the way, I am a fan of red tomatoes, with that famous "Jersey tomato" taste. After trying a bunch, I have found that "Better Boy" fills the bill for me.
there is no longer a NJ tomatoe, not since I was kid the tomatoe have they existed. Maybe some old timer has a seed saver program and he's in his mid 70's. There could be someone out there,but I don't think will ever hear about it. Rutgers tried to recreate it
I will always grow Jersey Breeze, Roma, and San Marzano out of appreciation for them growing abundantly my first year when I was making mistake after mistake after mistake. Adding Kelloggs Breakfast tomatoes and a few varieties of cherry tomatoes to amuze the grandchildren.
Favorite tomato? That's a hard one. Maybe because I still have three 2021 San Marzanos ripening on my windowsill while the 2022s are already hardening outside, I'll vote for that. It's the best sauce tomato I've found: delicious, so productive, and very hardy in my Zone 10b garden. I planted some San Marzano clones last August for fall tomatoes and only tore them out in February. Plus, I got 30 jars of tomato sauce and 10 jars of green tomato salsa and chutney. That's amazing!
His vermiculite is very large in size compared to what i found. Mine is the size of a pencil tip. I covered all my seedlings yesterday in it so ill have to do a follow up in a few weeks if it works.
Amish paste are also good for just slicing and eating. Sungold are great. I love Cherokee Purple and Black Krim. These 4 varieties do well in Puget Sound where you don't always have warm nights. I usually grow in deep pots as they seem to retain night time heat
I've legit pulled tomato plants, snapped them in few places so they fit in the compost and within a few weeks they were growing up and out the bin towards the sun, the buggers didn't wanna give up
I'm an old retired guy and I've been gardening since I was a kid. This is the best way to start tomatoes! I have nothing to add. By far, my favorite tomato in the Hungarian Heart. I get the seeds from Baker Creek. They frequently get over 2 pounds and are great meaty sandwich tomatoes. The down side is, they can take a long time to mature because of their size. A lot depends on the weather. I experiment with other tomatoes. I like to grow some for canning. This year I'm going to plant some Amish Paste tomatoes.
I listen to your videos more than once and retain something new each time.
Using the vermiculite is a game changer for me with all my seed starts. I do apply it dry over the soil (easier to work with) and the mist it in.
Thanks for the great video!
Hey Brian, I am a relatively new gardener and I have learned so much from watching your videos! I have stumbled upon a great tip for those of us who don't have the more expensive grow light. If you cut your red solo cups down about 1/4 inch below the last ring, you can plant your tomatoes in them and they can be 1-2 in from the light. When they have sprouted and you want to grow more roots simply place it inside an uncut solo cup and add more soil. Just make sure your holes in the bottom line up!
Fantastic idea! Brilliant!
This is a great idea. I was wondering how you get the light close enough to the plant when it first germinates and is way doe at the bottom of the cup.
Last year was my first time growing paste tomatoes and I went with San Marzano. They were massively abundant and so delicious! I got the plants in the ground the first week of June (zone 5a, late frost + 1 week of rain) and they were still growing in October/November. I had to cut them at their base and allow them to ripen inside in late Oct, which yielded another 25 pounds. So I am thinking I will start them earlier this year and keep potting up until it's safe to plant them.
Love his idea of starting them all in tall pots (solo cups in this case). I always start from seed and end up potting up multiple times to keep up with them growing and trying to bury the stems more. This seems like much less stress on the plants (and me!).
This will be my 1st year starting all my plant's from seeds I don't do a great deal but enough to enjoy the cycle of growing my own vegetables thank you for this video I will use the knowledge you've given me
How did it go? Nothing compares to starting your own seeds
I have been following and implementing the growth of my tomato plants in this manner. I would’ve been so shocked at how fast they have grown outgrown the cups and they are strong, healthy tomatoes. Thank you very much. I love this way of planting tomatoes.
This is awesome. I added a tbsp of used coffee grounds and because I don't have a heat mat I put the box under my bed where it is close to the heat vents. Within 5 days it was up touching the dome. Cool stuff. I glean what I can as I want to be successful this year. I've dabbled at growing some veggies but typically focus on herbs. My goal is to stay clear of the stores and having my own source of food in my backyard
Thank god for you, Brian! You are my go to for all of my gardening questions. Thanks for all the knowledge you eagerly share with us.
I live in show low az only been gardening for a few years. Had so many problems starting seeds till I saw one of your video starting seed the right way, I just wanna say thank you for all the great advice 👍 I've had great success since I applied your method
Hey there neighbor, we’re in Pinetop!
Hello neighbor..
I have been toying around with planting tomatoes from seed this year and now I will! Thank you, you are a great teacher.
My last frost date in SouthEast Ohio is May 15th and I've got Tomatos I started inside in February! I'm ready for spring!
Great show. I’ve been watching you for some time. Your advice tripled my tomato growth last year. I use solo cups but in the past I started in smaller cups and transplanted into the solo cups. What a great way to start in the solo cup and add soil. Thank you. You are the best 👍
Yeah, most of the videos I see here on youtube also start with smaller cups and move to bigger ones.
I'm growing in containers so i already started many tomatoes I just move them in and out of the house as the temps get cooler at night. so far, I'm growing large cherry, Big Boy, and an unknown variety I had seeds for, but the label was lost. also plan on getting some beef steak starters at the nursery. my plan is to have plenty to give the neighbors and freeze some for cooking. I hope I have enough energy for my gardening ambition lol.😉
I am planting Kellogg’s Breakfast for the first time this year (thanks for the rec) and have grown Sun Gold the last 2 years. Love them!
For my solo cups, I use me scissors and snip 3 good sized slits along the bottom edge. You should try it. Was easy and drains well.
Thats what i do ☺️
I do that too
I’m growing Kellogg’s Breakfast this year too. Hope yours turn out well. Good luck!
I use the same method but I use a box cutter. Oddly it hurts a heck of a lot less than using scissors.
I love the tip about filling the soil along the way! Way easier than potting up!
I’m gonna give it a try. Last year I threw a Compari in my planning bed and I had to meet is coming out. That was it. Thanks for your instructions. I really appreciate them.
Found you today. I've been vegetable gardening for many years. I love growing from seed too. many seeds are from the year before seeds. love watching this in Jan 2022.
Thank you for this video. Today, I started Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Early Girl, Mortgage Lifter, and Super Sweet 100. I love trying different types of tomatoes. I will probably start a few more varieties.
I used a 1/4-inch drill bit and drilled through the whole stack of cups at one time. Easy peasy. Used Espoma seed starting mix, vermiculite on top, covered each cup with saran wrap and a rubber band, put the cups in aluminum baking pans and placed on a heat mat.
Trying a little garden work this year, I have never had sucess with tomatoes so we will see how good you are!
You’re the best resource and my go-to guy for all things gardening. Thanks for all the expert advice. God bless you!
Thank you!
Great tips. Many people have trouble getting started on seeds.
thank you for helping me get started with my seeds. Before my son passed away he bought me Roma tomato seeds for my birthday. I want these to grow more than anything. I feel confident after watching your video.
I have had great success with this seed starting method, and with Kellogg's tomatoes in NW Ohio too. Thank you for all the reliable information.
I watched an older video of your showing this way of growing tomatoes and knew I had to try it. I even bought some red solo cups just for this purpose, and did my drainage holes with a soldering iron. I have loads of buckets that I've repurposed into growing pots using the same method of inserting drainage. I have planted my seeds, and they are in my greenhouse. I'm in the UK, and while we're having a remarkably warm spell for March (it was 17C today), that's probably going to drop off in a few days, and get chilly again. I'm growing Gardeners Delight and Tumbling Toms this year.
Hi Susi I’m in Scotland and manage to grow tomatoes outside on a sunny patio….taste amazing. Good luck this year😀
To make the holes I use an old fork that I heat up in the stove. I make a cross or an X in the bottom of the cup. It works really good
Nothing beats a Cherokee Purple
I found this video last fall, and decided to try this method instead of the Biodomes I usually use. I can’t wait. Starting seeds this week.
I’ve taken all of your advice and I can attest to the accuracy of it. It works folks! If you want your garden game to be it’s best you best be following Brian’s advice!!!
Thanks Mike!
Sweet potatoes also grow roots along their stem (vine).
Basil can grow roots anywhere as well. I propagate basil and tomato plants a lot and can turn one plant into 3 or 4. Nature is amazing.
I use clear Solo cups so that I can watch the roots progress. It adds another layer of fun to growing tomatoes! 🍅
GREAT 💡 IDEA!!!
What the skull on your shirt mean
Great reminders and instructions. I live in zone 3 so too soon for me. Since I have short season I grow Early Girls and still struggle to get many. Love your detailed information 👍
Thanks for the video, I can't believe my seeds germinated! I'm so glad your video has next steps, too.
I'm trying a whole lot of heat tolerant tomatoes this year: Zapotec, Floradade, Black cherry, Flamenco, Kewalo, Super Sioux, Black Krim, and a variety bred in Arizona, Wickenburg-Prescott Heirloom. And that's my FIRST planting, I plant a second crop in July after the first batch is killed by the 110 temperatures in June despite my 50% shade cloth! I also like Tasmanian Chocolate, Czech Bush, Principe de Borghese, and Silvery Fir Tree, They will go in the second planting, along with a Thorburn's Terra Cotta (free Baker Creek sample). You can also plant young peppers and eggplants deeply so they root along the stem, but they should not be woody.
To make holes in the cups I drill through a stack with a drill bit . So easy
Well I've watched a couple of your videos and getting up the courage to try tomatoes and cukes. I have failed in the past but I keep trying. Tomorrow I'll get seeds and get started following ALL your instructions!
On my romas I use tomato cages I made out of 6x6 welded concrete reinforcing mesh with good results.
What perfect timing! I am planning on planting peppers and tomatoes inside today!
I have the fever to do this 3 weeks too soon! I’m so excited to try this! Thank you for sharing.
I started seeds last year instead of buying starts. Had some success and some big wins. This builds on what I learned thank you!
I've done them this way for years! I start them new years day, about 12 weeks before last frost. I just barely cover the bottom, maybe an inch. I keep covering the base as it grows. Mycorrhizae in the potting mix helps keep bad fungus and bacteria at bay and improves root growth. By the time my area (8b) hits 60 at day and above 40 at night, they go outside. No hardening off.
Commercial seed trays have humidity retaining covers. In the red cups, turn a zip baggy upside down over the cup and cinch up the zip seal around the cup. Instant humidity seal. dent the baggy down in the middle so condensation goes back in the cup.
Wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago. I used the solo cups, but filled them about 3/4 full. Oh well. Love my new VS lights! They are amazing! I purchased 2, I’ll add 2 more next season. I started 117 solo cups, I have 115 germinated. Also purchased some Neptune products. I’ll start fertilizing next week. So excited for this growing season. My favorite tomatoes are Pomadoro Italian tomatoes. Best sauce tomatoes. Black Cherry is my favorite cherry tomato. They are so sweet, perfect breakfast good. Thank you for sharing your passion for gardening. Makes me a better gardener ❤️❤️
Thanks for the great advice! I am trying your method this year, using the heat mat, the solo cups, and the Vivospectra growlight. You used a clear cup that held the solo cup in a similar video, and that is the method I will use as well. I am looking forward to FINALLY having success with my tomatoes this year thanks to your advice.
I just use some snips around the bottom edge of my.solo cups, I also write the names on the sides too. I love Juliet tomatoes, great flavor and makes great salsa & sauces. Like Brads Atomic grape, and Black Krim and trying lots of new seeds too! FUN!
I cant wait to try this. My tomatoes have always been rather hopeless. Thanks for these great tips.
This method works beautifully for tomato.....I tried this method with additional cuke and basil seeds with great results. The cucumbers' (spacemaster) roots were showing at the bottoms of the cups within 2 weeks and the stems very strong. I was surprised to find the cuke's root ball quite saturated when I transplanted to a larger container. Therefore, I continued to feed from the bottom using a tray....Spacemasters are bush-style plants, so I will continue this method throughout their growth.
Cause of your channel I’m growing Sun Gold this season as well as San Marzano, Glacier, and Red Pride. Yup Solo cups from the dollar store work great 👍🏼
Hello Sir. This is the first year, I will grow tomatoes from seed. I, RUclipsd "growing tomatoes from seed" and found your site. Great information and well done video! And yes, I subscribed, and will watch more of your videos! Many/many and many growers out there...thank you for putting together "Next Level Gardening!"
Thank you and welcome!
Thanks for your video. I am in full progress with my tomato starts. Waiting for the night temps to stay in 50’s. My favorites to grow are: #1 Amish Paste because they are prolific and make great sauce and salsa. #2 Brandywine and Cherokee purple are tied for their flavors .
I just discovered your channel and am so happy to have found you! I have been binge watching your videos to prepare for this year's growing season. Love what I am learning!
Same here! This is the best channel, thank you, Brian!
My favorite, all time guaranteed good producing tomato is the celebrity. Tastes great, grows in clusters. Pretty disease resistant good fresh, frozen or canned. I'm not into heirlooms. I've tried many over the years and we really aren't huge tomato people. I also grow a Roma variety. This year I'm scaling back to just one of each. It's just the 2 of us. Planning on a large planting of various potatoes. Not doing sweet potatoes either. Still have lots from last year. I started Bueno Mulato peppers. Got my heat mat and the grow light just came. I'm trying the vermiculite on top of the soil. I have 7 of the 8 I planted up. Always good ideas. Thank you. Got your book ordered and will here the end of the month 👍
My first year. Greenhouse is going great. I did buy 2 XS1000 grow lights. They seem awesome. Peppers just popped up. Fixen to germinate and start tomatoes. Love the videos. Thx
Can’t wait to start using all I learned from your videos.
My favorite tomato is SunGold also. I am going to try starting tomato seeds this year and will try this method. Thanks.
Brian - we plant Amish paste, Chadwick cherry, Beefsteak, Black Krim and Roma. Will be training them to grow up the cattle guards we just got this year - same with the beans, cucumbers, peas, okra, melons and squashes. Judi
Great video perfect for refreshing before the season starts. I have used the vermiculite and it has always worked well for me.
Wow, your property looks so lush and beautiful!!!!
Zone 5 Ontario, Canada -- LOVE Juliet tomatoes (hybrid), indeterminate, prolific, super tasty and don't split. Great to freeze whole... skins slip right off when thawed.
Have ordered Sun Gold seeds... looking forward to some great sweet snacks. Am also trying new variety for me this year, Verona, that is supposed to be similar to Juliets but larger.
Really working on my outside garden, but the process is hazy. This video definitely helps with my production of tomato growing.
My favourites are Pineapple, a large juicy yellow/orange variety, and Juliet, looks like a mini Roma, or large meaty grape tomato. I also love Dancing with Smurfs, a purplish blue cherry tomato that turns bluish red when ripe. Delicious and beautiful!
i've done the vermiculite on the tops of my celery, and they've finally geminated (with dome and heat matt)! 1st time EVER!!
Dry vermiculite so much easier to work with. Then you can just mist the top. Great video
Mountain Magic is my favorite. Golf ball sized, red, prolific and also great for canning.
Lion heart variety, Cara de oro for large, sweet slicer..sandwiches. Tidy treat cherry tomato. For salads and roasting.
My favorite tomatoes are Paul Robeson, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Thornburg Terra Cota. Your instructions are very helpful and helps us to be successful. I've been gardening for decades even as a child. I live in the high desert of Ca. My fertilizer is 511 fish emulsion plus I also use worm castings and Amend soil.
Gardener’s Delight is my favorite cherry tomato and Grand Marshall for a larger tomato. I am in San Antonio!
Thank you for great information
I can’t wait to try.
Im a first time gardener I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET😊😊
My favorite tomato that my grandfather grew is Ace VF55. I now live now on the North coast of California and for the colder climate I grow Oregon Spring and Siberian
I just subscribed after only a few minutes of watching ! I'm IN Bro ! Thanks for the cool advice !
Clairemont mesa guy here. I learned much from this video. I'm not prepared to do seeds though. But I'm gonna get some fewvtomato plants from home depot already started. I have to grow in pots because my sunny in ground areas are filled with pepper plants. Thanks for video.
I’ve got some Kellogg’s Breakfast in solo cups under the grow lights now along with Cherokee purple.
Thank you! Great Info. New this year for me I set up a grow light station with shop lights from Walmart. $20 each. Put 2 long 4 ft lights on my 4ft shelf. Got the shelf from Target. $80. Only using 1 shelf. The rest is for storage & dry goods from old pantry cabinet. With heat mat mine came up within 5 days.
Hi Brian! Another great video. I used your string lowering method to grow my larger tomatoes last spring, and they are STILL GROWING! They didn’t produce any tomatoes from mid-November until mid-February, then started flowering and now have several large Dr. Wyche yellow tomatoes on one plant. I really neglected the plants over the winter and just never got around to pulling them out. The plants themselves look pretty sad, but it sure is nice to have large yellow tomatoes in March!
I love that. I was hoping I would get a Hawaiian update!
My favorite is the Campari tomato .... so sweet!
I took your advice and my tomatoes are sprouting ❤
I don't have an nice warm place to do this so I'm going to use the milk jug method and then transplant into the cups to finish them getting up to speed.
My favorite is 4th of July and Sun Gold! I know your not fond of Red Tomatoes but the 4th of July is a little bit bigger than a cherry and have amazing flavor like a beef steak! Heavy producer too through the Fall here in Zone 7. Thank you for all the videos!
1 thing I am surprised that you didn't mention is that the bracnes you cut off can easily be used to propagate more plants. It's a great way to reduce the amount of seeds you need or to make up for poor germination.
I've covered my seeds with fine vermiculite, perlite or finely-screened potting soil. All work well and I haven't noticed a difference among them.
And my favorite tomatoes are Sungold, Early Girl, Better Boy and Sweet Million. I usually grow two or three other varieties each season. Last year I tried 4 other varieties: Caiman, Arbason, Mortgage Lifter and Super Fantastic. All did well, but the Super Fantastic did the best.
Cherokee Purple is my favorite.
I have a very small garden, so I can put more time and effort into the tomato plants that I start. (two or three plants). I begin much the same way that you show, except that I use nice tall styro cups. I start them about 10 weeks before the last frost date, and when the styro cup is too short, I cut it off carefully, and put the plants in a half gallon milk jug with the top cut off. I leave enough of the handle so they are easy to pick up. I keep filling them as the plant grows, hardening them off starting May 1and by the time planting time comes, (around May 15 or so here in zone 6), I have transplants with a LOT of sturdy roots, filling the jug. I cut off the jug and plant them horizontally in a trench with only a few leaves showing above the soil. As a result, I get tomatoes way before the usual time, and my plants are almost always healthier and pest resistant. By the way, I am a fan of red tomatoes, with that famous "Jersey tomato" taste. After trying a bunch, I have found that "Better Boy" fills the bill for me.
there is no longer a NJ tomatoe, not since I was kid the tomatoe have they existed. Maybe some old timer has a seed saver program and he's in his mid 70's.
There could be someone out there,but I don't think will ever hear about it.
Rutgers tried to recreate it
@@brad4527 I am 82 and when I tasted the better boy, it brought back memories of that taste. I may be mistaken, but that's what it seemed like to me.
Campbell's 33 the beat tomato I've ever grown and I've grown so many different varieties. I mainly use for canning though so to each their own.
Favorite- Sun Good too! Growing Kelloggs for the first time this year 🤞
I will always grow Jersey Breeze, Roma, and San Marzano out of appreciation for them growing abundantly my first year when I was making mistake after mistake after mistake. Adding Kelloggs Breakfast tomatoes and a few varieties of cherry tomatoes to amuze the grandchildren.
I just started my tomatoes last night indoors I'm so excited!!!! And I love sun golds as well
Amish paste are great! Sun gold are candy! 😋 🤤 Love the sweet fruity tomatillo types.😊
I did this last year. Buy a cheap Walmart bulb planter, it makes a perfect fit hole to plant.
Black Krim are my favorite.😊
AWESOME!! perfect timing!!!
Favorite tomato? That's a hard one. Maybe because I still have three 2021 San Marzanos ripening on my windowsill while the 2022s are already hardening outside, I'll vote for that. It's the best sauce tomato I've found: delicious, so productive, and very hardy in my Zone 10b garden. I planted some San Marzano clones last August for fall tomatoes and only tore them out in February. Plus, I got 30 jars of tomato sauce and 10 jars of green tomato salsa and chutney. That's amazing!
We almost hit 55° here today. Not quite. 52, but, that was the hottest part of the day. Still growing everything in the house.
For eating: pineapple and Carolina tomatoes, for canning: big mama, goat bag, and beef master for red, and Carolina and Kellogg breakfast for red
I love San Marsano, and Early Girl, also Tumblin Toms.. Three totally different kinds. Thanks
Looking forward to seeing how the vermiculite works for you. I’m starting my tomato seeds in about 3 weeks
I put vermiculite on all my house plants as well as the ones going into the garden, nary a gnat! EVER!
His vermiculite is very large in size compared to what i found. Mine is the size of a pencil tip. I covered all my seedlings yesterday in it so ill have to do a follow up in a few weeks if it works.
Shared your method many times over. Much appreciated Sir
Amish paste are also good for just slicing and eating. Sungold are great. I love Cherokee Purple and Black Krim. These 4 varieties do well in Puget Sound where you don't always have warm nights. I usually grow in deep pots as they seem to retain night time heat