On Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:13:25 -0700, Billy
wrote:

In article ,
Bill who putters wrote:

In article ,
General Schvantzkoph wrote:

In an earlier post I listed the varieties of tomatoes that I'm starting
from seed. I started the first four on April 1, one variety on April 5,
and I plan to start the last two today, April 6. There is a huge
difference in the rate of progress between the varieties so I thought I'd
post that info here. I define the start date as the day I put them in a
glass to soak. My technique is to soak in water overnight, then put them
on a wet paper towel placed between two plates. I add water to the towels
as needed to keep them wet (once or twice a day).

The group started on April 1 are listed in the order of growth rates,
from fastest to slowest,

Sun Gold Cherry By far the quickest, I have a plate full of inch
long green sprouts.

Cosmonaut Volkov Doing well, the sprouts are 1/2 long with some
green.

Black Prince Doing almost as well as the Volkovs, about 1/3
inch with just a hint of green.

Legend Just short roots, no green yet.

I'm going to put the Sun golds into peat pots today, I'll give the
Volkovs and Black Princes a couple of more days on the wet plates before
I put them in pots. The Legends might need another week.

These were just started yesterday so there is no info yet.
April 5
Black Sea Man

I'm going to start soaking these today, I'll put them on plates tomorrow
April 6
Italian Grape
Yellow Pear

Are saying you transplant sprouts? Never heard of that B4. I just
moisten small containers and provide bottom heat and light once up
usually ~4 days where they reside till about 6 inches tall and hopefully
stocky then placed out to permanent spot sometimes a cold frame in
chilly and gray. 3 ~ 4 weeks latter.

That's the way that I've been doing it, but "Creative propagation : a
grower's guide" by Peter Thompson:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...stripbooks&fie
ld-keywords=Creative+propagation&x=10&y=23
does it the way that the General is describing. The reasoning is to get
the individuals out before they weave their roots into a tangle. You
pick them up by their dicotyledons.
It should be in your local library. Take a peek at the chapter on
propagating by seed.

I'm looking at the 1992 edition from the library, but the 2005 edition
should arrive in the mail any day now.

That sounds like a great idea. I think I will try that on the next
seeds I start and especially some of the harder ones to get
germinated.
--
USA
North Carolina Foothills
USDA Zone 7a