It is still a bit early to be starting tomatoes but  I thought it would be worth sowing a few to get some extra early fruit. Also I am keen to see how they do in Air-Pot containers from the outset. Plants which spend their first weeks in small Air-Pot containers don’t develop the root deformities which are inevitable in standard pots, meaning they should get the best start in life. I got great germination and have about thirty plants in a small propagation tray as well as eight in a 1 litre propagation pot. I find a really hot cupboard or propagator gets tomato seed growing in five days, then of course they immediately need good light.

Soon after germination  I discarded the weakest seedlings and thinned  overcrowded clusters  to give the best seedlings room to grow. After  four weeks, when big enough to handle, they were potted individually into 1 litre Air-Pot containers.  Expensive seed was sown just one to a pot so no transplanting at all is required

It will be two months before it is warm enough for tomatoes to be set out in my greenhouse. It may be necessary to plant them in their final pots sooner and give them some protection on cold nights.  The Air-Pot will keep the young plants in good condition, ready to grow on when they get the chance.