Tomato Seedlings and Saving $$$

I'm taking a short break from Tinctures and Herbal Remedies to bring you "Cup" planting and "Kitty Containers"

Yes...I am growing Tomatoes!!!!  And eggplant, beans, peppers, basil, cabbage, carrots, dill, yarrow, chamomile, sage, radicchio...I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the varieties.  But I didn't forget to Companion Plant!

Japanese White and Black Beauty Eggplants in Peat Pellets

I hate using plastic!  But then again, I also hate wasting money.  I transplanted the Genovese Basil into these red cups to give away as little "Thanks You" gifts and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on containers.  For $2.50 I have 50 cups, or 50 gifts! 

Genovese Basil seedlings

Red cups...Not just for frat parties and country songs!

These instructions can be used for LOTS of varieties!

Here, I'm planting Tomatoes! 

So here's how I plant seeds:
**Keep in mind that I'm preparing seedlings at a time that I might be moving to a new (to us) house.  I would normally just transplant into the ground**

For Peat Pellet planting: 
-Soak tomato seeds for 12-24 hours before planting.
-When you're ready to plant, soak the Peat Pellets (5-6 minutes)
-Plant your seed in the center and lightly cover with soil

For "Cup" planting
-Soak seeds for 12-24 hours before planting
-Cut 2 holes in the bottom of your cup.
-Fill the cup 3/4 full of potting soil or seed-starter mix
*Seeds do not need fertilizer*I recommend seed-starter mix*
-Moisten the dirt and then make a small "hole" in the center
-Plant seed 1/4 inch in the "hole" then gently cover with dirt 

Tomatoes planted in red cups and peat pellets

WOOHOO!!  I get so excited when I plant seeds.

For Peat Pellets: when your seedlings grow about 1-2 inches tall it's time to transplant. You can transplant into a "cup" until you decide where your seedling will go.  You can also transplant into a large container or into the ground.

Did you think I was going to stop there???
Keeping in mind that we might be moving, I decided to make use of 3 of the 100 or so kitty litter buckets(maybe more like 20 but who's counting)  We get these for FREE and there's no way I'm throwing them away OR putting them in the recycle bin.

For "Kitty Containers":
-Rinse thoroughly
-Drill 6-9-12 holes in the bottom. We drilled 3 rows of 3 holes.
-Pack the bottom with a layer of leaves.
*Allows for drainage and FREE nitrogen and nutrients when the roots hit the bottom, plus they'll hold moisture.*
-I add 1 banana peel to the bottom as well for Tomatoes.

-Add your container-garden soil
-Carefully, remove the seedling from it's small container and transplant into your "Kitty Container."
*You want to bury the lower part of the stem.  This will give the tomato plant more stability and a great root system.
-Water thoroughly  

For more information there is a Growing from Seed page.
February 7th (tomorrow) is the last day for the .99 cent seed sale
The "RED" variety seed sale ends February 14th
Orders $35 or more will include an extra pack of Pink Oxheart Tomatoes

Have you planned you garden yet?  Are you already growing?  Do you have any questions about where to get started? 

I'm linking up HERE.