@ Starr: This thread inspired by Starr. Thanks Lady
I like to start my Tomato plants about middle February early March.
I start with the small peat pots. (One year I had over 90, so recent years I have cut back) Plants can grow one right out of their home.
I like Rutgers, beefsteak and some others. I have tried the domed houses but have better luck one little pot at a time.
I don't get them as confused this way either.
1 to 2 tiny seeds about a 1/4 down in good potting soil. Now cover with saran wrap fairly snug. (Pot must be moist) set in window sills all over the house. 12 days later (make sure you see water droplets inside the saran wrap.) you will see a bud.
Lots of sun maybe sooner, no sun maybe a few days later.
Now keep an eye because they grow fast. Soon they will reach the saran wrap top. You have to give them more room but still covered. Unwrap and put in a stick to hold up saran wrap. Plant will continue to grow fast. When plant is about an inch to an inch & 1/2 tall you can remove wrap but make sure pot stays moist. Another 10 days and you will need a bigger peat pot.
Add more good potting soil and set the small pot right in the bigger one. Depending you may need to do this once more, but I usually get the good size pots so I only do this once now.
When plants are bigger move to breezeway. Keep very moist. sometimes you will have to water several times a day. You can use a container with water in it so plants can always drink. They drink a lot so check often.
When weather is warm you can start plants outside for no more than 15 minutes a day to start and each day a few minutes more. Finally you will be able to leave out all day and when almost knee high if you are 5'3" if taller go mid calf.
This is where I have my problems. I have a tendency to plant in ground to close. I think they say about 2 to 3 feet apart.
I have been using newspaper to surround plants. It works good for a few weeks. Don't weed too much as tomatoes need shade.
That how I do it.
I will probably do about 30 this year. oh six
