How to Plant Seeds from Store Bought Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular and common vegetable in home gardens. Although you can purchase tomato seed packets at your local garden store, it is also possible to collect seeds from fresh, store-bought tomatoes. Recycling tomato seeds from store-bought tomatoes not only saves you money, but it also allows you to experiment with saving and growing your own seeds. In this article, we will go over a simple step-by-step process of planting seeds from store-bought tomatoes.

Step One: Choosing Your Tomatoes

The first step to planting seeds from store-bought tomatoes is to choose the right tomatoes. Select ripe, juicy tomatoes that are free of blemishes, mold, and rot. Avoid tomatoes that have been sprayed with chemicals or pesticides, as these can damage the seeds or make them unviable.

Step Two: Extracting the Seeds

Once you have your fresh tomatoes, the next step is to extract the seeds. Cut the tomato in half and scoop out the seeds and jelly-like substance into a bowl. Add a small amount of water to the bowl and stir the mixture gently. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. During this time, the seeds will ferment and the jelly-like substance will break down.

Step Three: Cleaning the Seeds

After the seeds have finished fermenting, it’s time to clean them. Pour the contents of the bowl into a strainer and rinse the seeds under running water. Remove any debris or pulp still clinging to the seeds. Lay the seeds out on a paper towel to dry completely. Be careful not to touch or squish the seeds as this can damage them.

Step Four: Planting the Seeds

Now that you have cleaned and dried your tomato seeds, it’s time to plant them. You can plant them indoors in containers or wait until the soil outside is warm enough. Fill a small pot with soil and make a small hole in the center, approximately ? inch deep. Place one seed in each hole and then cover it with soil. Water the soil gently with a spray bottle or watering can. Keep the soil warm and moist but avoid overwatering, which can cause the seeds to rot.

Step Five: Caring for Your Seedlings

After 7-14 days, your tomato seeds should begin to sprout. At this point, you can move them to a sunny windowsill or outside if the weather permits. Ensure that they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil moist but make sure not to overwater. As the plants grow, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden.

Conclusion

Planting tomato seeds from store-bought tomatoes is a simple and cost-effective way to grow your own tomatoes at home. By following these easy steps, you can collect, clean, and plant tomato seeds with ease. Not only will you save money, but you will also have the satisfaction of growing your own tasty tomatoes from seed to harvest.