How to Grow Tomatoes from Scraps:
- Choose ripe, healthy tomatoes (avoid diseased or overly soft ones).
- Cut a tomato into slices about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the slices on top of moist soil in a container or raised bed.
- Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil (not too deep, or seeds may struggle to sprout).
- Water regularly and keep the container in a warm, sunny location.
- Within one to two weeks, tiny seedlings will emerge.
- Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin out weaker plants and keep the strongest ones for transplanting.
2. Saving Seeds from Store-Bought or Homegrown Tomatoes
Another method to grow tomatoes for free is by saving seeds from fresh tomatoes. This ensures a continuous supply of plants without purchasing new seeds.
How to Save and Grow Tomato Seeds:
- Scoop out the seeds from a ripe, fresh tomato.
- Place them in a glass of water for 2-3 days to ferment (this removes the gelatinous coating that prevents germination).
- Rinse the seeds and let them dry on a paper towel for 24 hours.
- Store them in a dry place until ready to plant.
- Sow seeds in small containers filled with nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm spot with sunlight.
- Once seedlings develop two sets of leaves, transplant them into larger pots or containers.
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