Starting tomato seeds (my January experiment)

Visiting the Eden Project inspired me to start thinking about gardening a little earlier this year.

Tomatoes were the first thing that came to mind. Although I have grown them for a few consecutive years, I have also managed to make quite a few mistakes along the way. One of the mistakes I often made was starting the seeds rather late.

This year I decided to try something different and follow my grandma’s example. She always starts her tomato seeds very early in the year, sometimes already in January.

I know, I know – the seed packets usually suggest starting them later, but I thought it might be worth experimenting and seeing what happens.

Of course, starting tomatoes indoors in winter means they grow in less than ideal conditions. Light levels are lower and temperatures are not always perfect, so the seedlings may grow a little slower than usual. Still, I am curious to see how they will do.

Since I couldn’t find any biodegradable seed pots in the shops this early in the season, I decided to make my own (and I must admit I felt quite proud of that).

I simply used empty toilet paper rolls. Folding one end inwards creates a small base and turns them into surprisingly sturdy little pots.

Next step is filling the pots with compost and sprinkling the seeds on top.

I often plant more seeds than I probably need, thinking some of them won’t sprout – and then of course most of them do, which means I end up thinning them out later.

Now they just need a bright windowsill and a bit of patience.

Enjoy this little winter gardening moment.

Rasa xoxo