How to Germinate Tomatoes in a Baggy

When you are ready to grow tomatoes, germinate them six to eight weeks before the frost ends. Tomatoes require soil to germinate and the sprouting seeds do not transplant well until they are established in the soil. Tomato seedling trays are usually placed inside a plastic bag to maintain water moisture. Instead of removing the tomato seedlings from the bag, you can modify a bag to germinate and grow the seedlings until they are ready to transplant outdoors.

Seed-starting soil
1-gallon clear plastic storage bag
Plastic tray
Twist tie
Toothpick or knife

Instructions

- 1
  Pour seed-starting soil into a large plastic storage bag to fill it halfway. Place the bag onto a plastic tray so it stands upright. You may need to pack the soil down in the bottom of the bag to set it upright.
- 2
  Insert two tomato seeds 1/4-inch deep into the potting soil. Mist the soil with water to dampen it.
- 3
  Seal the growing bag shut with a twist-tie to retain the moisture.
- 4
  Place the growing bag in a warm location. Water the soil so it remains moist. The tomato seeds will germinate within 14 days.
- 5
  Open the baggy once the tomato seeds germinate. Poke four to five small holes in the bottom of the bag with a toothpick or knife to let the excess water drain.
- 6
  Roll the top of the bag down to the soil line to let the air circulate over the top. Set the bag in a warm and sunny location. The tomato seedlings need six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
- 7
  Water the tomato seedlings when the top 1 inch of the soil feels dry. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. Always water the soil until it drains from the bottom of the bag, and discard the standing water in the plastic tray.
- 8
  Thin the seedlings to one tomato plant per bag when they reach 4 inches tall. Discard the weakest tomato seedling.

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