Third Time’s the Charm?

This will be the third year I’ve attempted to grow tomatoes from seed.

The first two years, well let’s just say they were learning years. I ended up having none to plant in the garden the first year. Last year I planted one lone surviving Brandywine tomato that actually thrived over the summer. Unfortunately I planted too late and, while it flowered eventually, there wasn’t enough time for tomatoes to form.

This year I’m determined to succeed.

I’ve got my heat mat plugged in. This is to encourage root growth.

I ordered new seeds from Nichol’s Nursery.

The candidates for 2012 are:

Brandywine, Pruden’s Purple, Red Delicious Cherry, and Stupice.

I’ve made newspaper pots so I won’t have to disturb fragile seedlings to replant them.

Using wine corks, toothpicks, and a Sharpie, I’ve created markers for the plants.

And voila! The seeds are tucked away in homemade newspaper pots sitting atop the heating mat.

Two seeds per pot, two pots per tomato variety.

May the strong seed win.

My fingers are crossed and I’m hoping for the best.

I’m also sowing Jimmy Nardello’s Sweet Frying Pepper and Basil today. And for the flower garden a flat of Four O’Clocks and Love in a Mist.

My worms arrive next week. Come back to see how the worm bin adventures goes!