What is Tomato Layering?

Tomato layering is the process of rooting a tomato stem while it is still on the host plant before cutting it away and planting it on its own. While it sounds a little scientific, the process happens in nature all the time.

The basic concept behind layering a tomato plant is simple:

1. Find a healthy, low lying stem on a well-established tomato plant.
2. Trim the stem of leaves and blooms for 8″-12″ along the span of the stem.
3. Break up the soil beneath the tomato stem you are working with and press the stem section down to the ground, covering it with soil.
4. Place a small rock or other weight atop the stem to hold it in place.
5. Water well.

You can also use a shallow planter or pot filled with rich garden soil placed on the ground underneath the plant as is illustrated in the photo above, or even get creative as shown to the right and tie a plastic bag filled with moist garden soil around the exposed area of stem of the tomato that you want to root.

How to root tomato cuttings

1. Clip a piece of tomato plant approximately 6″ long with healthy growth.
2. Trim all but the top two leaves away from the stem.
3. Plant the cutting at least 4″ deep in a pot of clean, moist garden soil.

It is important when rooting tomato cuttings to keep the fresh cuttings warm but out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks. Gradually expose them to more sun until they are in full sun again.  Tomato cuttings of this nature will be ready for transplant in about three weeks.

Whether you are layering tomatoes or rooting tomato cuttings, you can double your harvest without spending any extra cash using these tried and true methods.

The entire process takes just two basic tools that you already have around the house. By making your own seed starter pots at home you eliminate the need to purchase prefab seed starters from home improvement stores. Even better, if you run out and still need a few more all you have to do is make them up in no time.

Make a Newspaper Pot for Seed Starting Step By Step

What you need:

• a sheet of newspaper (black & white only, no glossy pages)
• a can that has been cut open on both ends (a smaller can works better)

1. Start by cutting the newspaper lengthwise into long strips. The specific size will be based on the size of the pot you need. If you are using a small to average sized can you can cut a sheet of newspaper in half and make four pots from one sheet.
   
2. Beginning at one end, roll the newspaper around the end of a small can (or jar) until the whole strip of newspaper has been rolled. Don’t wrap it too tightly or you will have a hard time removing your seed starting pot from the can template. You should have an overhang of anywhere from 1″ – 2 1/2″ on one end.
   
   
3. Fold the overhanging end inward and flatten by pressing the paper down from the inside of the can.
   
   
4. Slide your newspaper seed starting pot loose from the can template and fold the exposed edge down about an inch to hold it in place.

Just that easily you have a simple to make, free and eco-friendly seed starting pot made from newspaper. This is a great project to do with kids as well, just be sure that the can is free from any rough or sharp edges. It may take a few minutes to make your first newspaper pot but after just a few you will be able to make them very quickly.

Still need some help? Here’s a quick YouTube video that will show you exactly how to make newspaper pots

Depending on the particular variety of tomato, there may be anywhere from dozens to hundreds of seeds in a single mature fruit. You have probably noticed that the seeds are surrounded by a jelly-like substance that most recipes call for removing. With just a few simple steps and a little patience you can save tomato seed from your favorite heirloom tomato plants and grow them year after year.

It is important to note that we mention saving heirloom tomato seeds. The distinction is a big one, because the majority of hybrid tomatoes that you might find in the average supermarket will not always grow true from seed. That means that saving the seed from a regular store bought hybrid tomato does not guarantee that it will grow at all or that if it does it will produce fruit. Here is how to save tomato seeds in a few short steps:

1. Start with a fully ripe heirloom tomato. Slice the tomato in half and scoop the tomato seed and inner gel membrane into a clean jar or glass. Add about an inch of water and cover with a coffee filter or paper towel secured by a rubber band.

2. Place the jar in an out of the way area for 4-5 days. When you return you should see a rather ugly layer of mold atop the liquid in the jar. Don’t panic, this is not only normal, it is necessary to break down the gel that protects the seed and inhibits tomato seed germination.

3. Open the jar and remove the mold. Pour the seeds into a strainer and rinse with cool water several times until the membrane is completely removed. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers is necessary.

4. Spread the tomato seeds on a paper plate, paper towel or a sheet of newsprint and allow it to air dry completely for a few days before packaging them in clearly labeled envelopes.

Be sure to include the type of tomato and the date you saved the seed for future reference.

While it may seem complicated at first, once you have gone through the process once, you will never forget how to save tomato seed. The extra steps required will be long forgotten after you grow your own tomatoes from seed next year!

1. The first step in learning how to grow tomatoes from seed successfully is to start with good quality tomato seed. If you purchase seed  it is important to check the date printed on the packaging to ensure the seed is not too old. If you grow your own tomatoes and choose to save your own tomato seed, be sure that you know the correct way to handle them or they may not be viable for germination next season.

2. To start tomato seeds quickly and with the best germination rate, begin with a dampened paper towel. Add tomato seeds to the towel and roll it up, then place it loosely into a plastic bag and keep it unsealed in a warm place, preferably where the temperature is between 70-80 degrees F. The top of the refrigerator is a great out-of-the-way location.

3. Carefully open the paper towel and check your tomato seeds for germination in 3-4 days. The seeds that have germinated are ready for the next step. You might choose to give the seeds that have not germinated another day or so, but chances are that they will not germinate if they are not showing signs at this point.

NOTE: It is very important that you handle the tiny tomato sprouts very carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots. A pair of tweezers can make the next step much easier.

4. Place one germinated tomato seedling at a time into a prepared container (like our newspaper seed starting pots) filled with dampened seed starting medium, careful to keep the root intact. A pencil or skewer will be helpful in making the right size hole for your sprouts. Do not use potting or garden soil!

5.  When all of your tomato sprouts have been transplanted, cover them with a dome lid or plastic wrap to keep them protected from drying out and from drafts while they adjust to their new home.

While we do not recommend the use of any commercial fertilizers at this point, if you want to give your seedlings a boost of nutrients, consider watering them with a well-composted manure tea such as those offered by Authentic Haven Brand.

The tips in this article will teach you what you need to know on how to grow tomatoes from seed fast, but you can’t stop learning there. Next we will look at hardening tomatoes to get them ready for outdoor planting in the spring.

When the basil plant begins to go to seed it will produce attractive long stems of small flowering buds. Pinching these buds off the plant will prolong the growing season, but if you plan to collect basil seed, you’ll need to allow those blooms to stay on the plant undisturbed. Given some time they dry out and turn brown. Though you may be tempted, pinching them off before this stage may result in immature seed that will not germinate properly.

1. To collect the basil seed, begin by lightly yet firmly grasping the bloom stem just below the lowest flower on a stem.  As you slide your fingers upward toward the tip, the dried blooms will come loose and you will end up with a handful of wonderfully fragrant pods.

2. To separate the seed pods from the tiny basil seed, the easiest method is to first place the dried pods into a small bag and squeeze, freeing the seeds from the pods that contain them.

3. Pour the crushed contents of the bag into a fine mesh strainer just large enough for the basil seed to pass through. The larger dried matter will not pass through and though some fine particles will be mixed among the seed, they are easily distinguished from the tiny black basil seed and will not interfere with the germination of the seed.

4. Save the seed by collecting it in an envelope or plastic bag, ensuring that both the seed and bag are completely dry.

When you collect basil seed you don’t have to buy it again to grow basil year after year. Just a few seed pods will yield enough seed for yourself with plenty to share with family and friends, too.