Reflective screen for use with tomato seedlings

by Sally on March 26, 2009

Space Age Seedlings

A silver foil screen used to help bring extra light to growing seedlings

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

James Stockdale May 21, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Hi Sally. I was just wondering what the seedlings in this picture are planted in? They seem to be individually wrapped in something. I’m fairly new to gardening and it looks like this set up would be very easy to transplant to pots when they’re ready.

Sally May 21, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Hi James. Thanks fo getting in touch. I’m learning too. Although it was great to look back at the pictures of the seedlings and realise how far I – and the tomato plants – have come !
The seedlings are growing in peat pellets. You put the seed on them and they reform with water. They are great when you are starting out and perhaps don’t want to buy bags of compost and pots.
And you are right , they are great for transplanting as you just transfer the whole lot to a larger pot.
I am sure you know this, but it’s too late for growing tomato seeds for this summer. Sadly not enough summer left to mature and ripen. So if it’s tomatoes you want to grow, get young plants and depending on your location plant out between now and the start of June.
Good Luck and I would love to hear how you get on.
Sally

James Stockdale May 28, 2009 at 11:35 am

Thanks Sally. I’m not sowing any seeds now but it’s good to know for next year. I have about 12 plants all grown from seeds and in varying states of health. Varieties include San Marzano, Tigeralla, Orange Berry, Ildi and Costoluto Fiorentino and also some tomatillos. They’re hardening off at the moment. Once I get a piece of garden fenced off from our over enthusiastic puppy, they’ll be moving out permanently (except the San Marzanos as I’ve heard they’re not so good outside). Do you have any experience with any of these varieties?

Sally May 29, 2009 at 6:08 pm

Hello. Lovely to hear which varieties everyone is growing. From your list I am growing Tigerella. I love the look of them, hope they taste as good ! I ‘ve come across Costoluto but not the others so did some looking up! San Marzanos is Italian Heritage – a prerunner to Roma ? I read that it will grow outside…. but Ildi came up as greenhouse ! But don’t take my word for it as it was only one source and not from personal experience ! Tomatillos I have come across for sale as plants but I don’t know anything about them. You have given me an idea for one of my Saturday Swot Shop posts – thanks !
Today was lovely tomato weather – fingers crossed it is a sign of things to come .

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