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Location

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Date Posted

Ironton, ohio

I'm struggling with germination this year only 50% on my first batch. I treat them basically as I do pumpkins which I have great success with. Do tomatoes prefer a damper soil or more/less heat? What's the shelf life for seeds? Hate to waste good seeds. All opinions welcome.

4/26/2026 7:20:01 PM

Central NY

More heat

4/26/2026 7:29:11 PM

Grittyville, WA

They should sprout at 70-80 like a pumpkin. They might take a day or two longer. They don't do well if planted too deep, but they'll get helmet heads if planted too shallow. About 1/4" deep is about right I think.

4/26/2026 7:45:22 PM

Warwood

I usually end up at about 80F then keep them under light at 75-80F, Dan S. has a perfect video for you: "Seed Starting Masterclass! Common Mistakes Explained By World Record Gardener! Tutorial" https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=hjbBlMfeye 4&t=1119s Porkchop can plant seeds well and grow them well too.

5/1/2026 5:58:10 PM

Grittyville, WA

Seed life isnt usually an issue. In my experience they last 5 years easily. Up to about 15. Similar to pumpkins. But, if stored in a hot or slightly damp location (seeds not fully dry when packed) then the seed life could be a lot shorter.

[Last edit: 05/01/26 6:48:16 PM]

5/1/2026 6:46:23 PM

Colorado

I've noticed a dryer soil seems to do better. I'm pretty sure I was keeping my soil too wet before. I was also planting a bit too deep. It's a sticky trade off tho. Deeper seedlings seem to establish better faster if they can push through the extra soil and they all most never have a seed coat on them 1" down but germination rates are 1/4 to 1/2 as good then. 1/4" they almost all germinate (if viable) but I tend to fight the seed coat. Covering and keeping the humidity up helps with this but for me also promotes rot. So what is good? Maybe 1/2" down lightly packed and a slightly damp soil?

5/3/2026 12:03:16 PM

Warwood

I may have to go a little deeper, as I got a couple of "helmet heads" recently. Only one couldn't break the coat. I hate picking at them as it messes up the cots.

5/4/2026 4:07:38 PM

Grittyville, WA

I haven't had any helmet heads. I use a coarser potting mix and the occasional surface dampening with a watering can compacts the soil just enough. I'm not sure what other factors might cause it. My germination is sometimes 100% and sometimes 0%. I got 4/4 on the 10.46 La Rue and 0/4 on the 10.2 Jolivette. That's just how it is sometimes. Plant more seeds if needed! If you don't have enough seeds then feel free to email me.

5/4/2026 4:30:44 PM

Ironton, ohio

Thanks LK, I've got several underneath the lights and will start some more seeds in about three weeks. I was just bummed that one of my 9.5 and a 6.25 didn't sprout. I had all helmet heads last year and none this year so I am happy about that. Best of luck everyone!

5/4/2026 7:24:30 PM