How to Start Tomato Seeds in Peat Moss

Start tomato seeds in peat moss pellets.

Tomatoes, like other plants in the nightshade family, are best prepared for growing in an outdoor garden when you start them in a small soilless cell and gradually move them to larger containers until it is time to transplant. Peat moss is free of soil diseases, has a low pH level and retains moisture well, making it an ideal growing medium for germinating tomato seeds. Small peat cells, known as peat pellets, are a practical choice for seed-starting.

Things You'll Need

• Peat pellets
• Tray
• Tomato seeds

Instructions

1. Arrange the peat pellets in the starter tray. You can use a tray specifically designed to hold the pellets or any shallow container.

2. Pour water to fill the tray and wait for the pellets to expand. This will take about 20 minutes.

3. Peel back the netting that covers the tops of the peat pellets and fluff the top of the pellets with your fingertips to create a level planting surface.

4. Place one or two tomato seeds in each pellet. Barely cover them with peat.

5. Cover the tray with its plastic cover or a sheet of plastic wrap. Place the tray in a warm location. Placing it near a window is not necessary at this point, but if it is the warmest open space, it will work.

6. Check the peat pots daily for signs of germination. When the first seedlings are visible, after about seven days, remove the cover or plastic wrap. Place the covered tray near a south-facing window. Water when the peat pellets are light brown in color.

Tips & Warnings

• Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your region. This will give the plants time to grow and give you a head start on tomato planting season.

• If one seed germinates before the others, peel back the cover slightly to let air in, but leave it on top of the tray until all seeds germinate.

• Do not delay in removing the plastic wrap or cover. If left in place after the seeds germinate, the seedlings will not receive oxygen and die.

References

• University of Illinois Extension; How to Start Plants Indoors from Seeds; March 2010
• San Marzano Tomatoes: How to Grow San Marzano Tomatoes
• Park Seed Garden Journal: Growing Tomato Plants from Seed