Heirloom edibles are a throwback to a time before mass agriculture. Fruit and veg the old-fashioned way, you might say.
Heirloom tomatoes for example, come in all shapes and colours, not just the uniform red ones you’ll find in your local supermarket.
Not only are they more colourful, but more flavourful too.
But nothing beats eating a tomato that you’ve grown yourself, so Melissa will step you though the process of growing and caring for your very own delicious tomatoes!
What’s the difference between commercial and heirloom tomatoes?
Commercial tomatoes are bred to have uniform shape, colour and ripening periods, and their skins are tougher for better storage and longer shelf life. What’s sacrificed is flavour. Heirloom tomatoes, on the other hand, have been planted and replanted by generations of gardeners because of their unique tastes, textures, shapes and colours. They’re the hidden gems of the tomato world!
Easy steps to grow tomatoes from seed
While tomato seeds are little – just 3-6mm – the bounty will be huge if you get your plants off to a good start.
For you to note
- Tomatoes need warm soil temperatures; sew seeds in trays, ideally in early spring.
- Use glass or plastic wrap if your tray doesn’t have a lid.
Gather your supplies
- Seed tray with lid
- Seed-raising mix
- Dibber or chopstick
- Tomato seeds
You’ll also need
- Trowel
- Spray bottle of water
- Sheet of glass or plastic wrap (optional)
Here’s how
Step 1
Use trowel to fill tray with seed-raising mix.
STEP 2
Firm down the surface and water well using spray bottle.
STEP 3
Create holes in mix about 10-15mm deep with dibber or chopstick (one hole per compartment).
STEP 4
Drop a couple of seeds in each hole and cover with a fine layer of seed-raising mix.
STEP 5
You might also like:
How to grow tomatoes in containers
This is the best time to plant your tomatoes
How to make your tomatoes grow bigger and faster
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