My tomato seeds were sown in Rockwell starter cubes 7 days ago and most are progressing well. After 4 days in a heated propagator 65% of the tomato seeds had germinated. After a week this has risen to an 87% seed germination rate. At four days most of the the seedling started to appear. The cotyledon (seed leaf) is hidden under the seed casing. Once the seedlings are at … [Read more...]
Hydroponics Diary: Sowing Tomato Seeds in Rockwool
I now have the seeds for my chosen tomato varieties and found the kit needed to germinate the seeds. The outside air temperature is about 2 or 3 degrees Centigrade so I have taken over the dining room temporarily to start the germination process. In the future I plan to build an insulated section for seedlings in my poly-tunnel but this is quite low down the priority list … [Read more...]
Hydroponics Diary: Choosing Tomato Varieties To Grow
Well it's the first of March tomorrow and the weather had just started getting warmer outside (over 10 degrees C today) so thoughts have turned to this year's plans for growing tomatoes in the my poly-tunnel (affectionately know by my wife as the Toma-dome). Tomato Varieties To Grow About four week's ago I did get around to choosing the tomato varieties to grow and … [Read more...]
Hydroponic Tomato Growing: Tomato Seed Germination
The first stage in hydroponic tomato growing is to germinate the tomato seeds. I use 3.5cm (1 1/2") starter cubes. These are first soaked in a weak nutrient solution for a few hours. I tend to use my own nutrient solution or make use of purchased brands such as Formulex. Once the cubes have been soaked they can be put back in the plastic tray they are supplied in. The tray … [Read more...]