Best Way to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors (or Outdoors)

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  • Опубліковано 25 вер 2024
  • Getting a huge harvest starts with sowing the seeds correctly. I'll walk you through my tomato hack that all but guarantees a summer full of big juicy homegrown tomatoes! Plus at the end I answer your questions.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2 тис.

  • @maricamundy1265
    @maricamundy1265 2 роки тому +100

    I have grown tomatoes like that for 50 years. I'm glad you are letting people know how to do it right. Happy growing.

  • @tradz4199
    @tradz4199 3 роки тому +520

    Try growing parsley around your tomates to be free of the horned tomato worms! It works really well, and I've been doing it for years!

    • @destinycoach5
      @destinycoach5 3 роки тому +37

      I use germanium flowers and have never seen a horn worm either

    • @IamChrisL712
      @IamChrisL712 3 роки тому +15

      @@destinycoach5 We do that too.

    • @suzannefrey7121
      @suzannefrey7121 3 роки тому +54

      I plant marigolds and basil next to my tomatoes, they also keep the tomato hornworms away too.

    • @destinycoach5
      @destinycoach5 3 роки тому +15

      @@suzannefrey7121 yes actually I did both those last year also. Worked very well

    • @bonnieweeks8383
      @bonnieweeks8383 3 роки тому +43

      I have a terrible time with hornworms. I trapped a giant one last year and stuck him in the freezer. Too big to squash. I felt no guilt.

  • @AnthonyJarrah
    @AnthonyJarrah 3 роки тому +90

    I drill 3 holes both on the bottom of the cups and on the sides of the cups near the bottom, then I place them in a pan and fill the pan with water to a level above the side holes. It's easier for water to absorb the cup from the sides rather than the bottom and the bottom holes are better for drainage after the seedlings have sprouted. Works beautifully.

    • @ThatOpalGuy
      @ThatOpalGuy Рік тому +4

      great tip. thanks

    • @andrespaz989
      @andrespaz989 Рік тому

      How long do I leave the cups inside the pan of water for each day?

    • @AnthonyJarrah
      @AnthonyJarrah Рік тому +3

      @@andrespaz989 I leave them in the pan of water until the seeds germinate then I empty the water from the pan and water normally

    • @andrespaz989
      @andrespaz989 Рік тому +1

      @@AnthonyJarrah thank you

  • @jolIyjoeker
    @jolIyjoeker 2 роки тому +94

    The gardening community is so open and friendly about their techniques, it is heartwarming. I will remember this when I am an old wise garden guru someday and I will happily pass all my knowledge to anyone willing to listen!

    • @NextLevelGardening
      @NextLevelGardening  2 роки тому +12

      Hey are you calling me old? 🤣🤣

    • @jolIyjoeker
      @jolIyjoeker 2 роки тому +10

      @@NextLevelGardening not intentionally! 🤣🤣🤣

    • @Popwarner-x1w
      @Popwarner-x1w Рік тому +1

      If we're still alive by then

    • @williammitchell2435
      @williammitchell2435 6 місяців тому

      @@Popwarner-x1w
      😮😢😢😮😢😢😅😢😮😅😅😅😢😢😅😢😅😢😅😢😢😢😅😅😅😅😅😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😮😅😢😅😢😢😢😢😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😢😢😮😢😢😢😮😮😢😮😅😢😮😢😮😅😢😅😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😮😢😅😅😅😅😅😅😢😅😮😢😢😢😅😮😅😮😅😢😮😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢⏰🗡️🛰️5

  • @drurymassey
    @drurymassey 2 роки тому +56

    I know this video is a year old, but I wanted to say that this is the very best information for growing tomatoes that I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for the detailed information.

    • @tinamarshall6039
      @tinamarshall6039 Рік тому +2

      Yes it is I sent the link to my brother in law who is going to start this year

  • @Gardeningadventures49726
    @Gardeningadventures49726 3 роки тому +192

    So important to get the plants to root as deeply as possible! When you have the seedlings buried along the stem like this, then further bury them in the garden, they are FAR more resilient against drought, wind/storms, and they can mine for more nutrients. What a great video for tomato gardeners! 🍅

    • @cletejohnson7691
      @cletejohnson7691 2 роки тому +6

      I like German Queen and Cherokee purple.

    • @rdred8693
      @rdred8693 2 роки тому +7

      I'm assuming it won't hurt to start my seeds early?

    • @papaobrien4664
      @papaobrien4664 2 роки тому

      A)]]

    • @ThatOpalGuy
      @ThatOpalGuy Рік тому

      I am assuming most growers are not relying solely on rain to water their crop.

    • @ThatOpalGuy
      @ThatOpalGuy Рік тому +1

      @@rdred8693 if they can get adequate light, I dont see why not.

  • @arainwater123
    @arainwater123 Рік тому +10

    I can't tell you how many times I've watched this video. I watch it at the beginning of each warm season. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

  • @doreymarcincuk9881
    @doreymarcincuk9881 3 роки тому +27

    I like to
    use a clear plastic cup with holes inside the red opaque cup and throw in a stone between them if necessary to keep them apart. That way they have the drainage but can sit on the windowsill without making a mess.

  • @Giggiyygoo
    @Giggiyygoo 2 роки тому +75

    I germinate my seeds in a glass of water, then use tweezers to pick up the ones that sprouted and put them in solo cups. Germination rate is great this way, plus you avoid wasting space if a seed doesn't germinate. Just make sure to check them every day.

    • @sharonbice7490
      @sharonbice7490 Рік тому +5

      Watched a video where a guy cut up aloe Vera plant added water and blended it well, then strained it, poured it in container over paper towels, and put seeds on top. He said it's got great nutrients and vitamins, all you need to germinate them for planting. I'm going to try it.

    • @debodeeful
      @debodeeful Рік тому

      @@sharonbice7490 Did the aloe vera prep still clean yellow latex off of aloe leaf or did they just cut the aloe leaf up green and gel together?

    • @sharonbice7490
      @sharonbice7490 Рік тому +1

      @@debodeeful They just cut it up , and put in blender, the whole stem.

  • @dalepres1
    @dalepres1 2 роки тому +22

    The cup idea, along with cutting the lower leaves and filling the cup, is one of the best ideas I've heard on growing tomatoes. I've started and replanted and replanted literally hundreds, probably thousands, of tomatoes but this process eliminates all of that. Brilliant. And edit to add: I love (want) the Atari shirt!

    • @rlee6503
      @rlee6503 Рік тому +4

      Solo Cups: I used an ice pick heated on a burner on the stove. When it gets hot you can do 5 or 6 cups at a time. Goes through like butter
      Cu

    • @WonderlandofWOW
      @WonderlandofWOW Рік тому

      ​@rlee6503 Thank you SO MUCH! Great tip since I don't have any fancy tools. Wonder if a sharp slim letter opener would do?

    • @ezratomlinson1703
      @ezratomlinson1703 11 місяців тому

      I like transparent cups so I can see the rooting system

    • @frederickbowdler8169
      @frederickbowdler8169 8 місяців тому

      Gardening is a magical process every spring a new start 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

  • @NMWriterofWords
    @NMWriterofWords 3 роки тому +142

    I've gardening for 50 years at least I'm 57 and I started with my grandfather. The way I see it you can always learn something from someone else. Sometimes you can learn good things sometimes you can learn what to avoid lol I do enjoy your videos very much!

    • @NextLevelGardening
      @NextLevelGardening  3 роки тому +18

      Thank you. I feel the same way. I've learned so much from my viewers

    • @jaggers116
      @jaggers116 3 роки тому +11

      I always say "If you could learn one thing a day, the day isn't wasted." You're right, you learn good things and bad things. Same with life experiences. Thank you for your inspirational comment! ~ Peace ~ ✌😎✌

    • @rajwateeali985
      @rajwateeali985 2 роки тому +1

      99⁹⁹

  • @notfornothinghomestead
    @notfornothinghomestead 2 роки тому +10

    I rewatched this video from last year!! Took me a bit to find it but I remembered it had so much education in it and didn't want to miss a step when tomatoes seedlings reached higher than top of cup! Thanks for all you share!!

  • @matthewmcdaid7962
    @matthewmcdaid7962 Рік тому +18

    We live in Michigan and my grandfather built a small greenhouse off a south-facing basement window. He would plant flats of tomato seeds in March. The sun during the day kept the greenhouse warm and a light bulb at night kept it from freezing in the night. By Memorial Day weekend, when we planted our annual vegetable garden, we had tomato plants to transplant. He had a composter in the back of the yard to provide soil for the flats.

    • @tonial.andrews9638
      @tonial.andrews9638 Рік тому +1

      Love Michigan growing tips! I'm a few miles from the Mackinaw bridge 🌉

  • @DebraBPitts
    @DebraBPitts 2 роки тому +17

    I am in zone 6b and start my tomato seeds in March under grow lights and a heat mat (made from looping incandescent rope light zip-tied to metal shelving!). My germination rate is always TOO good! ha This is a great idea because I have always started the seeds in smaller trays and had to keep transplanting the little plants!! Thank you for teaching this older 60-year-old lady some new tricks! I want to watch your other videos, too!

    • @ThatOpalGuy
      @ThatOpalGuy Рік тому +2

      I started mine in the small decomposable pots. I am going to switch to solo cups this year, I think, it make perfect sense about getting the stems to grow the roots, and I am betting my survival rate for tomatoes will be much higher this year.
      also, if, when the plants are outdoors, prune the offshoot vines and stick them in a jar, or half gallon milk jug, full of water for a few days to let them grow roots and then put them in the ground. its a great way to get a couple of plants to make a dozen plants.

  • @slomo1716
    @slomo1716 2 роки тому +19

    After years and years of growing tomatoes, I came across a gardener online who explained "HILLING" tomatoes. I only grew a plum tomato last year and hilled them (same principle as yours) and they were GORGEOUS tomatoes, which I was proud to give some to a neighbor. However in years past growing different varieties, I had so many I could CAN for the first time in my life. I still have jars in my cupboard.

  • @Nanmac
    @Nanmac 3 роки тому +37

    I save my cottage cheese and yogurt containers to start seeds just because I have a lot of them. They are 24ounce containers. Great idea to only fill them half full in the beginning. Great video.

  • @toddberger4648
    @toddberger4648 3 роки тому +93

    Thanks Brian, Open Arms Farm here from Northern Michigan. We are also growing sungolds this year. We will not be planting them for a couple weeks yet as we are in zone 4B. Then we will be moving them into hoop houses.
    We appreciate your tips and tricks, and we apply them to a larger scale. Last year we were blessed to be able to donate over 4,000 pounds of fesh organic produce to the underserved in our community.
    We appreciate you sharing your learnings from your Garden, andwe find that many of them are scalable to larger operation such as ours.
    Keep doing the good stuff!

    • @maurasullivan3259
      @maurasullivan3259 3 роки тому +5

      Wish I had the room to do the same thing! Bless you all for your work and contributions to your community ✨💫✨👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️

    • @MM-eq7bs
      @MM-eq7bs 3 роки тому +3

      Great work!
      Keep it on.
      There is nothing that will give you the same wonderful feeling other than giving to the really needy.

    • @VWilt-so3ws
      @VWilt-so3ws 2 роки тому +10

      I think it's great you share your crops. I do want to tell you that you should also be putting some things up for your selves, for your pantry, if you aren't. We've got some rough times coming up and freeze drying, canning or drying them out and setting yourselves up for the upcoming turmoil that is surely to come. Maybe keep half of what you were giving away and still have the othet half to share. Save some for you. It's not selfish and your still giving. Peace and blessed days vicki

  • @johnkraus419
    @johnkraus419 3 роки тому +176

    My son has a bunch of red Solo cups in the garage for when he and his friends play beer pong. I can now put them to a better use...lol. Thanks for the video.

  • @UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14
    @UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14 2 роки тому +9

    I start low in the Solo cups as well. Then I move them up to 32 oz. plastic fast food cups. They fit perfectly into the bottom! Once those are full, I trim another 18" up from there, and they get planted sideways. I start my cuttings around Halloween and seeds at Christmas, so I have plenty of time to do this. If they get a bit big, I'll just cut back to a sucker to keep them in check. I only grow indies, so this works great for me.

  • @scvdiane
    @scvdiane 2 роки тому +29

    I started all of my tomatoes (12 varieties!) from seed last year with great success and was able to share extra plants with others. Some of my faves are Sungold, Chef's Choice Orange, Persimmon, Virginia Sweets, and Indigo Rose, all of which I'm starting again from seeds. Thank you for your videos, I've learned a ton!!!!

  • @farmerbob4554
    @farmerbob4554 3 роки тому +73

    I’ve used your technique ever since the original tomato video. It works! I’m growing Sungold, Mexico, Carbon, Paul Robeson, Margarita and San Mariano. Good luck to all tomato growers!

  • @mikescott8225
    @mikescott8225 3 роки тому +8

    Solo cup about that size compared to my head = point at which I clicked the LIKE button. Thanks again for great info, Brian.

  • @brianaguerrero-sanchez5350
    @brianaguerrero-sanchez5350 2 роки тому +24

    This was so helpful!! I’ve been excited to start a garden but become overwhelmed with information. This was very digestible. Thank you!

  • @gmillwoodphotography
    @gmillwoodphotography Рік тому +14

    This video and your tomato trellis helped me out beyond measure last year. It was my first year gardening and while I had plenty of failures with other plants, my tomato and pepper plants did amazing thanks to your advice. My tomato trees grew to about 10' tall even with me spacing them too close together and being out of town for the end of the season. You are awesome and I am so thankful for your priceless advice and expertise. May God bless you to the fullest!

  • @NMWriterofWords
    @NMWriterofWords 2 роки тому +1

    You were so much happier and smiled so much more in these older videos. I hope you can find that again.

  • @crazyplantlady2403
    @crazyplantlady2403 Рік тому +5

    I'm in zone 5, this is a genus hack. I can't believe in all the years I've garden I've never thought of it. Thank you so much! This is how I will start my tomatoes from now on. I start months before my last frost date or I wont get anything, before my next on set of cold sets in. I long grow season for us is 4.5 months.

  • @pellymuseum8070
    @pellymuseum8070 3 роки тому +7

    Love your idea for using solo cups. We use them all the time for picking raspberries. We just pull a plastic bag over the cup & dump. Less damage before freezing. Love multi use items.

  • @michaelcharette6236
    @michaelcharette6236 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you for showing me what I have been doing wrong for many years. I am hoping with this new found knowledge to bring in a bumper crop of tomatos this year.

  • @auntiekk6240
    @auntiekk6240 Рік тому +1

    Cherokee tomatoes are my absolute favorite! Can’t wait to get these babies started!

  • @nancyinthegarden3160
    @nancyinthegarden3160 Рік тому +19

    I had the healthiest plants that I grew from seed under a grow light. They transplanted very well and all of them succeeded. I’m asking for another grow light bc it’s very uplifting to start growing indoors while it’s so bitter outside. It’s hope through the winter of promises for spring

    • @vickicase7987
      @vickicase7987 Рік тому +1

      How do you get the seeds? Do you order them, or do you get the seeds from the actual plant's?

    • @sageofstoneofficial1865
      @sageofstoneofficial1865 Рік тому +1

      @@vickicase7987 You can do it either way. Baker Creek seed company has some great heirloom varieties though.

    • @JWHealing
      @JWHealing Рік тому

      Yes! I had a fun spring 2022 because I was growing my starts indoors. This fall & winter I’ve been growing Thai basil indoors for our dinners!

    • @catslife7460
      @catslife7460 Рік тому

      Hey I don't know what state you are in but my $5 below has small ones that are very bright.

  • @goodgoat3096
    @goodgoat3096 2 роки тому +30

    I start my tomatoes in 3" plastic pots and when the roots start coming out of the drain holes transplant them deeper into 6" plastic pots. The seedlings are grown under 3 LED shop lights running 16 hours a day on a 12" wide shelf until planting time, June 1-7 here in Illinois. I also run a fan on low which seems to strengthen the stems. At planting time the roots fill the 6" pots and produce earlier than plants purchased from a nursery which are always in too small of containers.

  • @irenealexander9990
    @irenealexander9990 3 роки тому +6

    Surprising, my favorite tomato is Kellogg's Breakfast, which I've planted for many years. Beautiful, huge, juicy and sweet. Just love it
    A new second choice is Copia, a stunning striped yellow, flavorful and very productive. The tomato I'm looking forward to planting is Omar's Lebanese, a large sweet pink, with superb flavor. Truthfully, I love all the tomatoes I plant because each variety has its own appeal.

    • @judytelles3518
      @judytelles3518 Рік тому

      I love the names and how enthusiastic you all are so this year I am persuaded to plant Kelloggs, Cherokee. 1 plant I did last year called Japanese Black Trifele and another French one, a Lebanese, German, Bulgarian and a Russian variety. I am in London so I cant get some new varieties due to costs but they will be here next year.

  • @Braisin-Raisin
    @Braisin-Raisin 2 роки тому +7

    I obrained many ideas from your videos - thank you! I bought those high red/white plastic cups last year and drilled holes into the base (several at once), because here in Germany those plastic cups are being taken off the market because of evironmental concerns. I love those containers and they are perfect for tomato seedlings. I grew 14 different varieties last year and they bore more fruit than ever: half in the open air (always risky in Northern Germany) and half under cover. I had so many tomatoes on all of them - until the rain hit in late June and never stopped. I threw over 100 kilos of tomatoes away because they got the blight within days and even if you try to ripen them off the vine, once the blight is in the stem . all tomatoes get it, even when you remove them from the stem immediately. Sad! I managed to keep the ones under cover going until they showed a little color and then removed them because I knew the air was so moist, they would also be hit by blight. I managed to harvest aobut 80 kilos of tomatoes and all of them ripened nicely inside under cover and lying on dry straw. Kellog's breakfast was one of the favorites - it resisted the blight second best of all the tomatioes which surprised me and I shall grow them again this year - hopefully not another rainy year. Another favorite of mine is Sun Viva, coktail, robust, yellow and really tasty an LIlac Sari (a Russian variety) that is almost purple, sort of blackish greenish with rosy areas - very tasty, very robust and prolific.
    Wish we had reliable sunshine like you have in California! It is a challenge but I managed to can lots of wonderful pasta sauce.

  • @user-oh7xv3pm3o
    @user-oh7xv3pm3o Рік тому +1

    I like Rutgers and Marglobe tomato varieties. They are medium sized tomatoes a lot like the ones sold in grocery stores in clumps on vines.

  • @jeffdriver3000
    @jeffdriver3000 Рік тому +2

    My grandfather grew Ace tomatoes when I was growing up. I still use the Ace VF55 in my garden. They were the first advertised as a coreless tomato. They are medium to large with good flavor

  • @judier7778
    @judier7778 3 роки тому +6

    Your videos are easy to understand and very informative. I really enjoy them and like watching them rather than T.V. shows. Keep up the great work.

  • @samuel58237
    @samuel58237 3 роки тому +8

    I love Cherokee purple and my wife loves Pual Roberson.

    • @Rob--
      @Rob-- 3 роки тому

      Oh yeah. Had my first batch last year.

  • @kayscarlett3772
    @kayscarlett3772 3 роки тому +4

    You are a He only one that suggested starting with the soil at lower than full! Wonderful tip!

  • @helensmith9265
    @helensmith9265 Рік тому +1

    I have never started growing tomatoes from seeds. Your method makes sense & seems so easy. So here goes nothing. Lol anyway you came right to the point & thanks for all the info. Great job! 17:04

  • @truthseeker9688
    @truthseeker9688 2 роки тому

    San Marzano is awesome...it's Jan 12 and my San Marzanos are still blooming/producing!

  • @pattysciortino3313
    @pattysciortino3313 3 роки тому +19

    I started mine in solo cups in January (17th) and I am putting them into the ground today. They look lovely! I will post a photo on the FB page. I did exactly what you said, and started in a half cup of soil starter, then filled to almost the rim of the cup when they grew tall enough. I did tease out the extras and got about 8 extra tomato plants that are also doing well. The problem is I forgot to label the extras! By the way, I am growing Kellogg Breakfast, Cherokee Purple, a red one called Delicious, Chadwick Cherries, Tricolor Cherries, one of which is a Sungold.

  • @marieleatham7562
    @marieleatham7562 3 роки тому +7

    Thank you. I grow around 50+ tomato plants each year. You have 3 of my favorite that I plant each year. I start mine much as you do. I am encouraged that I am doing it right. I learn something new each time I watch your videos.

    • @judytelles3518
      @judytelles3518 Рік тому

      Thats a lot of toms. My daughter is allergic, she is on her own as far as I am concerned.

  • @mendicantcrow
    @mendicantcrow 2 роки тому +8

    One year after this video and it's seed planting time again! I've got black cherry and a Roma variety appropriate to my colder climate that I planted last year and will plant again this year. I also am trying the San marzanos out this year, and a Chocolate tomato. Now I'm tempted to see if I can get some sungolds and Burpee beefsteak after watching this.

    • @charmc4152
      @charmc4152 Рік тому +2

      I planted Pink Girl and Cherokee Carbon tomatoes last summer, and they both had outstanding flavor. Both were on the meatier side. The Pink Girls were all nicely shaped (round) and about the size of a baseball. The Cherokee Carbons I grew were mixed sizes, and weren't uniformly round like the Pink Girls. They had a bit of a squashed shape with more creases. The flavor of both at peak ripeness was outstanding though. Cherokee Carbon tomatoes were dark fleshed.

  • @kennethhopson7087
    @kennethhopson7087 2 роки тому +5

    I live in Tennessee and I used to dig a deep hole and put my tomato plant in it. I would add dirt, leaf mulch and manure. My plants would be nearly a foot in the ground.
    I was just thinking about mentioning the roots that my plants has and the great tomatoes I 🍅raised.
    A tablespoon of Epson Saults helps to keep the disease from your plants.

    • @thermotivationwithmez
      @thermotivationwithmez Рік тому

      May I ask how you add the Epsom salts please?

    • @charmc4152
      @charmc4152 Рік тому +1

      One source I found recommended adding 1 teaspoon Epsom salt per litre (or quart) of water to a spray bottle and wetting the foliage every 2 weeks using a fine spray setting. It is said to be quickly absorbed by the leaves. They caution against spraying on hot, sunny days, or when rain is imminent.
      Another source said that some people add Epsom salts directly to the planting hole when planting tomatoes to prevent blossom end rot, but that source cautioned against doing that and said that putting the Epsom salt directly into the planting hole is more likely to contribute to blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the soil. The magnesium in the Epsom salts will compete with calcium to be absorbed by the tomato plant. So, it sounds like spraying your tomato plants with an Epsom salt solution is the way to go.
      I've read elsewhere that putting a Tums tablet in the soil when you plant your tomatoes can help meet the need for calcium for your tomato plants and prevent blossom end rot. I've also read that aspirin dissolved in water and sprayed on tomato plants before the first signs of blight can help prevent it. Recommended dosage was 250 mg - 500 mg dissolved in 4.5 litres of water and sprayed on the plants 2-3 times a month, again, before there is any evidence of blight.

    • @thermotivationwithmez
      @thermotivationwithmez Рік тому

      @@charmc4152 thank you for your time in replying. Much appreciated 🙏🏼☺️

  • @VxiceheartxV
    @VxiceheartxV Рік тому +9

    Cherokee Purple are my absolute FAVORITE tomato! My grandma had tons of tomatoes, all colors and some striped ones too, but the Cherokee Purple are the most juicy and rich that I've personally tasted. I also grew a little yellow one this year called Sun Sugar that were pretty good, the sweetest tomatoes are not my favorite, but if they're yours you'd probably love Sun Sugar.

    • @charmc4152
      @charmc4152 Рік тому +2

      I tried Sun Sugar and Cherokee Carbon tomatoes last year. My Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes didn't do that well because I bought a plant later in the spring from a garden center, and it was the tomato equivalent of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. 🙄 It didn't bounce back as quickly as I'd anticipated. We did get some tomatoes though, and boy, were they good! I've seen the Cherokee Purple too, and I want to try that one this spring, that and the Pink Brandywine as well.

    • @VanessaWaugh
      @VanessaWaugh Рік тому +2

      The Cherokee Purple is by far my absolute favorite tomato. Have not had great success growing them in Florida. Going to try again this year and have some growing already.

    • @charmc4152
      @charmc4152 Рік тому +2

      @@VanessaWaugh I hope you have an abundant harvest this year! 🙂

  • @KingVormster
    @KingVormster 3 роки тому +12

    This will be my first time growing San Marzano tomatoes, I live in a apartment so once they are ready I will put them in my fire escape, but im gonna plant on Sunday the seeds. wish me luck.

    • @prattcreekart
      @prattcreekart 3 роки тому +1

      best wishes for many tomatoes

    • @drinksnapple8997
      @drinksnapple8997 3 роки тому +1

      ..you're going to block the fire escape?????

    • @suzannefrey7121
      @suzannefrey7121 3 роки тому +1

      @@drinksnapple8997 😂😂😂

    • @KingVormster
      @KingVormster 3 роки тому +1

      @@drinksnapple8997 NYC fire escapes are huge 😂

  • @jamosmith8390
    @jamosmith8390 3 роки тому +20

    I believe the finest sandwich and canning tomato is “ Rutgers”. It’s more orange than red but I grow for flavor and these are at the top of my list. They are indeterminate. Try them, you will be happy you did.!

    • @johnpoole8321
      @johnpoole8321 3 роки тому +2

      Great to hear I just ordered some with my heirloom packs from Amazon

    • @jainemiller2375
      @jainemiller2375 3 роки тому +1

      Clyde Russell and Cade Harvey are a TROLL TEAM. IGNORE THEM.
      REPORT AND BLOCK THEM.

    • @dougmccoy1260
      @dougmccoy1260 2 роки тому

      I grow Campbell's 1327 which is a Rutgers variety. Very sweet. Everybody I give extra plants to say they are the best they have ever had. Campbell's probably didn't have to add much extra sugar to their soup.

  • @imalwayslast3170
    @imalwayslast3170 2 роки тому +7

    I'm not a tomato guy but growing veggies relieves stress for me. My wife loves them especially purple cherokee. Trying out some new varieties this year. Also got some 32 sq. ft. raised beds, so those should come in handy.

    • @gregabbot4631
      @gregabbot4631 Рік тому

      Ever look at Square Foot Gardening. It produces astonishing yields.

  • @phantomproductions1751
    @phantomproductions1751 5 місяців тому

    Campbell's 33 my new fav for canning tomato juice. They are super resilient as well. Almost all I grow now. Super sweet 100 and couple brandywine is the only exception.

  • @JS-jl1yj
    @JS-jl1yj 8 місяців тому

    About 10 years ago, my daughter gave me a packet of seeds for my birthday. They were heirloom tomatoes called Chocolate Cherry. They are my absolute favorite. I keep saving the seeds and growing them every year. I love that they are indeterminate. I grow them on a trellis, so they take up very little space in my small veggie garden. Last year, I finally invested in grow lights. They make a huge difference.

  • @leslienichols5268
    @leslienichols5268 3 роки тому +8

    Zone 5 b. Starting my tomatoes indoors under light this week. Also growing sun gold and oxhearts. Trying Barrys'
    crazy cherries and jersey devils for something new!

  • @libertymicrofarm6032
    @libertymicrofarm6032 3 роки тому +7

    Location makes a huge difference when it comes to tomatoes.
    Here in Oregon, Amish paste has a tendency to succumb to blight. For me, San Marzono’s grow AMAZINGLY! By the time we neared the end of the “grow season” I had to top off the plants as they were about 8’ tall and I wanted them to focus on ripening the tomatoes still on the vine. We also took a lot of the green ones and made a mock salsa verde. That turned out soooo good!

    • @NextLevelGardening
      @NextLevelGardening  3 роки тому +2

      Interesting. Yes I think that's true for alot of varieties. Well maybe since I have a dry climate Amish will perform well

    • @libertymicrofarm6032
      @libertymicrofarm6032 3 роки тому

      @@NextLevelGardening yes I feel your area of CA is a growing zone all its own lol

    • @pamthompsonarbogast3687
      @pamthompsonarbogast3687 3 роки тому +2

      I'm glad I read all the way through these comments. I'm also in Oregon and had good luck with Roma's and San Marzanos last year (although they were a bit late coming on, and had lots of fruit still on them at frost time) , but was tempted to try the Amish paste based on Brian's comments. I think I'll stick with what worked for me. Although....I'm in Southern Oregon, and it is dang hot and dry here in the summer. Are you further north Liberty Micro Farm?

    • @libertymicrofarm6032
      @libertymicrofarm6032 3 роки тому +1

      @@pamthompsonarbogast3687 I am about an hour south-ish of Salem. We don’t usually get as hot in the valley. Except for about a week or two around July or August.

  • @jackwilson5479
    @jackwilson5479 3 роки тому +15

    Hey excellent video and instructions. I like to use the red solo cups however i take a clear one of the same size and with a hot poker i put five holes around the base of the clear one. i did my transplant today into the clear ones. i put my water in the bottom of the red cup and then put the clear one inside. capillary action will have the clear cup suck up what moisture it wants, i can take the clear one out and see the progress of the root growth and bottom water as needed

  • @shaylanrubendavila6940
    @shaylanrubendavila6940 Рік тому +2

    You are so helpful!! I moved to the super cold rural north zone 3 about 6 years ago and after watching your videos decided to start a container garden last year. It was a very small garden but now I have the bug and have 6 raised beds! Thanks for all the info you share with us

  • @fredbardell4222
    @fredbardell4222 2 роки тому +2

    For the first time in my life i grew tomatoes in a small green house. I had no idea what to pick so got some called Cobra and got lucky. They got large, tasted awesome and i got a large yield. Will experiment with others this next season.

  • @fancythat5136
    @fancythat5136 2 роки тому +26

    Great idea for the solo cups. I grew the Sungolds last year, they kept producing till frost came, delicious and abundant! I also grow heirloom Matina, Cherokee Purples and Italian Heirlooms. Save your seeds everyone!! I love your videos, informative and right to the point. 💕

    • @brentwiggins5254
      @brentwiggins5254 Рік тому +3

      what is the best way to save seeds?

    • @artstamper316
      @artstamper316 Рік тому +1

      @@brentwiggins5254 This is what I’ve heard (just tried it, but haven’t tried germinating the seeds yet):
      Put the seeds in a container, add water and in a couple-three days pour off the pulpy water. Repeat adding water and pouring off until there are just plain seeds without any of the pulpy stuff attached. Leave to dry and store in an envelope in a dry place.

  • @StevieWonders2020
    @StevieWonders2020 2 роки тому +10

    Thanks for great info and some feedback on new varieties. I'll be interested to hear and see a "review" next yar. I've had better luck using tall jumbo soda cups instead of the red ones which get brittle and fall apart. The heavy plastic tall soda cups last forever and give you even more scope for adding stimulant soil which is a great idea. If you don't want them that tall and their footprint really isn't much wider than the red cups, you could scissor-trim an inch or so off the top, but they work beautifully in the soda cups, And they get a bit of support when they get willowy. I use an ice pick to make drain holes.

  • @chadburke1938
    @chadburke1938 3 роки тому +6

    Will have to try Kellogg’s as last year two orange varieties joined my favorites list: orange strawberry and hillbilly. Both produced huge, delicious tomatoes and my house was BLT central all summer long.

  • @shawnlandreth2779
    @shawnlandreth2779 Рік тому +2

    I’m growing sun gold this year. I grew black cherry last year and made roasted tomato paste with basil and froze it in silicone ice cube trays, so yummy

  • @Sine-gl9ly
    @Sine-gl9ly 7 місяців тому

    You made me chuckle with your adamant demand for a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight a day.
    I've been growing tomatoes since the 1950s in northwest England where we are often _very_ happy to see six hours of direct sunlight _a week_ .
    You - and the tomato! - can probably find a work-around, and nowadays with grow lights, soil heaters and other little luxuries, it's far easier, when conditions are unavoidably less than ideal, than it was in the past.
    I'll be starting a couple of dwarf and ultra-dwarf determinate varieties, a couple of patio-size bush tomatoes, a couple of trailers for hanging baskets and a couple of indeterminates, so I have all bases covered. My last frost date is the end of April, so the seeds in their packets are looking at me already, planning trouble!

  • @grannygct
    @grannygct 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks, Brian, for an excellent video on starting tomato seeds indoors. My favorites - Sungold, Super Sweet 100, Black Krim and Cherokee Purple. Started my Black Krim and they are about 2” tall, a great flavor tomato.

  • @joelmerrill
    @joelmerrill 3 роки тому +5

    Great video! I've been starting them in solo cups for years. I have a south facing window I have been putting them in so they get light all day. That is not enough. This year I bought an LED grow light. That worked great. My favorite hybrid is Parks Whopper. My favorite heirloom is Hungarian Heart. They average 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and often get over 2 pounds. I live in southern Iowa.

  • @Kimipu
    @Kimipu 3 роки тому +6

    Note on your tomato selection - I grew the sweetheart tomatoes in zone 5 last year and they were fantastic. Crazy productive in a bad tomato year, "hold" a long time, and great flavor. I think you'll really enjoy them, even if only the novelty lol
    Only thing I noticed was I got 3 "rounds" of tomatoes. For the 2nd, they had a distinctly different shape and were basically a normal cherry. 3rd round was right back to the original golfball sized hearts, which was weird. Maybe heat related? Tasted fine and everything and was only an aesthetic issue but I would not have guessed they were from the same plant. Never had that happen before, so it was odd. Trying them from saved seed this year, so we'll see how that goes.

  • @lookingforthetruth8478
    @lookingforthetruth8478 Рік тому

    Its the middle of feb 2023 and im about to take full advantage of this wisdom and knowledge on growing my stupice, pineapple, principe borghese, black krim, green zebra, yellow brandywine, Chadwick cherry, roma and pink brandywine tomatoes! Im so excited because these are my first ever seeds to grow and their non gmo heirloom organic seeds so i couldn't be happier doing this, thank you for these extremely helpful important tips on growing! 🌱 🍅 👍

  • @8632tony
    @8632tony Рік тому

    I'm growing Porter Improved Cherry from 9 year old seed and some Roma tomatoes from seed saved from store tomatoes. Love the Romas with cottage cheese. Very little juice and very meaty.

  • @au7661
    @au7661 3 роки тому +5

    I've just sown Roma this week, Sheffield uk

  • @ctimms417
    @ctimms417 3 роки тому +12

    Last year, I followed your method of planting my tomatoes in the Solo cups. It worked out great and I'll do that forever more!! I purchased Kellogg's Breakfast seed at your recommendation and I'm trying Amish Paste this year as well. I'm still a couple more weeks off of starting my tomatoes but this afternoon, I set up my grow light station on a brand new shelving unit so spring seems a little closer now.

  • @gettingcannedwithjackie8754
    @gettingcannedwithjackie8754 Рік тому +2

    Love this!!! The only way I do my tomatoes and I get the BEST root base, and have had the best harvest from my plants since! ❤

  • @trulylynn9941
    @trulylynn9941 Рік тому

    Tomatoes grow great in California not so easy here in N. Florida. However the tutorial is great! I have varieties that do good for me and one came from the grocery store! I couldn't believe it but I am growing them again. Thanks kid from granny in FL 🏝💋

  • @cynthiahiebert5023
    @cynthiahiebert5023 2 роки тому +1

    I have always given a thumbs up! No return! No comment! No answer!

  • @slelinson
    @slelinson 3 роки тому +14

    This is genius! I’ve been starting tomatoes from seed for years and been very successful but this is a game changer! Can’t wait till next year to do this since all my tomatoes are already in the ground this year.

  • @memyselfandi3242
    @memyselfandi3242 2 роки тому +23

    Great video! How often do you water the seedling while germinating and then once it started to grow?

  • @corinnenygren428
    @corinnenygren428 2 роки тому +7

    Brian is always my go-to garden expert. Thanks again for a very informative and educational video Brian. You’ve taught me so much about gardening.

  • @fergusdangerfield156
    @fergusdangerfield156 Рік тому +1

    In SE England, I grow gardeners delight and sun baby in the greenhouse. In my best year, I had 2400 fruits from 6 plants, grown as indeterminants!

  • @tricia4952
    @tricia4952 Рік тому

    Hi, I'm Patricia from Mississippi. I started watching your videos today. Love how your videos are a family affair ❤️ Happy growing, and God bless you and your family.

  • @TFAllen-um6qe
    @TFAllen-um6qe 3 роки тому +10

    I learned the hard way about the benefits of bottom watering (and the pitfalls of top watering) seedlings this year. I'm a believer now!

  • @cecepettis1122
    @cecepettis1122 3 роки тому +5

    Sungold is A-MAZ-ING! I am trying ten fingers of Naples this year.

  • @maureenroberts5272
    @maureenroberts5272 2 роки тому +6

    This was awesome. I learned so much and although I started my seeds already, I'm going to try this process. Thank you

  • @Slipping_thru_the_Seams
    @Slipping_thru_the_Seams Рік тому

    great tip about burying/"hilling" so early on. i knew about transplanting them deeper into the ground but this is next level lol! thanks

  • @ginnybadger4790
    @ginnybadger4790 6 місяців тому

    I think growing success starts the day you choose your seeds because variety is super important. My favorite tomato variety is Ultimate Opener. It is my secret weapon against the climate I grow in. We are in the 5b zone at 6000 ft. elevation in the high desert.

  • @pjpricetx
    @pjpricetx Рік тому +3

    I bought the “Crimson” seeds at Bakers Creek. They are ‘meatier’ and a beautiful crimson color (deep reddish purplish). I’ve only tried gardening for 2-3 seasons and look forward to learning from You and the listeners here 💕

  • @pambaldwin4696
    @pambaldwin4696 3 роки тому +22

    My favorite tomatoes so far are Cherokee purple and brandy wine. I’m growing 19 different varieties of heirloom, cherry and dwarf this year. I’m looking forward to the new varieties I’m growing this year.

    • @NextLevelGardening
      @NextLevelGardening  3 роки тому +1

      Always fun to try new ones

    • @MichaelRei99
      @MichaelRei99 3 роки тому +1

      Wow! That’s going to be some garden! Please share pictures on Brian’s Next level Gardening Facebook page when they produce!!

    • @pambaldwin4696
      @pambaldwin4696 3 роки тому +1

      @@MichaelRei99 I hope so! 😊

    • @adrienneoliver5457
      @adrienneoliver5457 3 роки тому +1

      Cherokee purple is my favorite too!

  • @pamthompsonarbogast3687
    @pamthompsonarbogast3687 3 роки тому +10

    Sungolds are my favorite! This year I'm also trying Sunrise Bumblebee, and have started Paul Robeson (both from Baker Creek) indoors.

    • @melissasullivan1658
      @melissasullivan1658 3 роки тому

      I just started some Robeson too! Did they also give you the free white tomesal seeds? I’ve started only three of those as the reviews were rather mixed on flavor.

    • @pamthompsonarbogast3687
      @pamthompsonarbogast3687 3 роки тому

      @@melissasullivan1658 I did just get a packet of the Tomesals too. I’m running out of starting space, so will prob only do a couple of those.

  • @joosukas
    @joosukas 2 роки тому

    Watching from Europe, my absolute favourite tomato variety for fresh consumption is the Italian variety Cuore Di Bue which is also a beefsteak tomato variety.

  • @denniskimmel6551
    @denniskimmel6551 Рік тому

    I grow Florida Everglade cherry tomatoes every year here in Pensacola. They grow like weeds, and the plants produce lots of fruit. I recommend them to every one. They are the best tasting tomatoes.

  • @margerybreit4382
    @margerybreit4382 3 роки тому +11

    Sun gold is the only cherry tomato that I grow. They are the best!

    • @simplysimple7628
      @simplysimple7628 3 роки тому +2

      Yup me also. I’ve grown a ton of tomatoes. Sungold cherry tomatoes are by far the sweetest. Heavy producers. 4 plants filled 6gallon ziplocs for family members. They simply loved it and now I’m obligated to grow more and more🤷🏽‍♂️😂🤷🏽‍♂️

  • @patrickshelley1579
    @patrickshelley1579 3 роки тому +7

    Just found your channel, love it! I've learned so much in just a the half a dozen videos cant wait to see more. Eastern washington, in the ground date of may 15. Bring on the sunshine!!

    • @sherihatley2219
      @sherihatley2219 3 роки тому +1

      Eastern Washington here too. I love that I get advice for all locations. We are about 40 miles south of Spokane. Where are you?

    • @patrickshelley1579
      @patrickshelley1579 3 роки тому

      @@sherihatley2219 we are in the Spokane area. Prepping soil and ready to plant. Soon as the snow is off mica peak lol. Some great information on his channel. I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks of binge watching his videos .

  • @mammacass5311
    @mammacass5311 3 роки тому +5

    I was going to sew my seeds indoors yesterday I’m so glad it didn’t work out because I did not know to only have to fill the cup. As always perfect timing Brian thank you.

    • @williamwilson6499
      @williamwilson6499 2 роки тому

      Probably should sow them instead. Sticking needles into them is not recommended.

  • @fauxgrace
    @fauxgrace 7 місяців тому

    Kellogg's Breakfast is the BEST. I took your word for it last year and couldn't be happier. It makes a GREAT slicer - but it also made the best tomato sauce I've ever had in my life. Thank you again! Edit to add: I'm glad I'd not ordered cherry toms yet. Now I've got some Sweetheart cherry coming!

  • @nadinesawtell3267
    @nadinesawtell3267 Рік тому

    If your needs are small you can buy tomato sets. I remove the leaves along the stock leave the first 3-4 leaves and plant on the side to allow for root growth. I found that works. I usually buy 1-2 cherry 1-2 Roma and 1-2 beefsteak type of tomatoes

  • @tsol438
    @tsol438 2 роки тому +5

    I see what I've been doing wrong now! Thank you so much! ❤😊

  • @hippocket31
    @hippocket31 3 роки тому +10

    Love your vids! I'm a container gardener. This year I'm excited to try a Midnight Snack blue cherry tomato and a White Tomesol. I'll be growing them in 25 gallon tubs. I'm intrigued by those little heart shaped tomatoes! Keep us posted on them, please.

  • @WinsomeWinslet
    @WinsomeWinslet 3 роки тому +6

    So glad I tuned in for this! I started 72 tomatoes in tiny cells and they ALL have to be transplanted at the same time. They are huge, super leggy and a mess. Solo cups planted midpoint makes so much more sense!

  • @maryboniface9688
    @maryboniface9688 Рік тому

    Grew the Kelloggs breakfast last year and just started my seeds for this year. Delicious

  • @russeellbowman9498
    @russeellbowman9498 2 роки тому

    Late but now with God. My prayers are with you during your severe health challenge. For gardening, I am starting a strawberry wall, two shelves high, in 24 inch x 12 inch high planters. For seeds, I saw one guy grow them to start in plain sand! It is cheaper, and it can be reused several times. He grows them to a couple inches high and then repots them in fertilized growing media. Blessings, Russ

  • @kennyprice2001
    @kennyprice2001 3 роки тому +14

    I’ve been growing the same Burpee steakhouse tomatoes from Burpee that you showed in the video along with a Cherub cherry tomato. I had stupendous luck with them last year. I’m planting the same along with a couple of other varieties I got from Baker Creek. As for space for the cherry tomatoes, I just started putting them in pots in sunny spots where the ground was a little harder next to my deck and fence. I used the structures for staking them and it worked out well and didn’t take up “useable” space.

    • @shakengrain1942
      @shakengrain1942 3 роки тому +2

      Lotta good ideas in that, thanks! Not enough room in beds, but I have a deck being used for nothing, with nothing growing around it. Perfect home for tomatoes in pots.

    • @debraclifton8213
      @debraclifton8213 2 роки тому

      I would be a little nervous about cross pollination, I wasn't my large tomatoes too stay large.
      ( Isn't that possible)

  • @lupitacameron9693
    @lupitacameron9693 3 роки тому +13

    I’m trying Kellogg’s Breakfast tomatoes for the first time. Love the sungold cherry tomatoes and Brandywine.

    • @sarahkniep1719
      @sarahkniep1719 3 роки тому

      I'm trying the Kellogg breakfast ones this year too. Really hoping they are as good as predicted!

  • @darknightofthesoul7628
    @darknightofthesoul7628 3 роки тому +6

    Excellent presentation! Funny, I've been growing my seedlings in these plastic cups for a few years now...only because they were the only containers I could find in the house (I don't have much money to go out and buy fancy peat pots). The trick about starting them half way and then eventually filling in more soil to promote extra root growth...well, that's why I subscribe to your channel, you keep me up to date with best practices. Thank you!

  • @msnitejar5637
    @msnitejar5637 Рік тому +1

    Thank you Brian, I have watched a number of your videos today and they are very informative. I have been growing tomatoes for years but always struggled, except for 2016 where I had an excellent crop. Luck i think! Last year's crop was dismal and the plants were stunted, we had a really dry spring and I couldn't water them enough... I am in the UK, South, and am growing Oxheart, ACE 55 VF, and large cherry tomatoes this year. I'm going to make great root systems for them! The cherry ones I'm going to grow up a string.

  • @BHarry-mx9py
    @BHarry-mx9py 2 роки тому

    I grew a tomato last year but it was a chocolate tomato (cherry) was so tart but I loved it! Lol (chocolate was color..not flavor). Just have fun! Grow whatever you want.