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Zark · March 9, 2024

I have been starting my tomatoes from seed I purchased or seed I have saved. One problem that has plagued me over the years is Helmet Head. I have tried keeping them moister, and pulling the seed coat off. But this has been a pain and sometimes resulted in not growing a variety or two I wanted in the garden. The last two years I have had very few to no helmet head. In the past I would just thinly cover the seeds with starting mix. Now I cover the seed with at least 1/4" of starting mix. The tiny plants don't seem to have a problem pushing through and have been healthy. So, it seems I was not giving them enough cover. You would think that a tomato grower of many years would have known this. Never too old to learn. Looking forward to another wonderful tomato garden this season.

March 9, 2024	#1
Zark Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 5	Helmet Head I have been starting my tomatoes from seed I purchased or seed I have saved. One problem that has plagued me over the years is Helmet Head. I have tried keeping them moister, and pulling the seed coat off. But this has been a pain and sometimes resulted in not growing a variety or two I wanted in the garden. The last two years I have had very few to no helmet head. In the past I would just thinly cover the seeds with starting mix. Now I cover the seed with at least 1/4" of starting mix. The tiny plants don't seem to have a problem pushing through and have been healthy. So, it seems I was not giving them enough cover. You would think that a tomato grower of many years would have known this. Never too old to learn. Looking forward to another wonderful tomato garden this season.