- 1). Start tomato seeds in 1-inch rockwool starter cubes in a nursery tray. Cover the tray and keep at a temperature of 68 to 77 degrees F. When vegetation appears, uncover the trays and move seedlings immediately to a metal halide or fluorescent light source for 12 hours per day.
- 2). Transplant seedlings once they have leaves and the roots appear through bottom of the starter cubes after 10 to 14 days. Place the seedlings and rockwool cubes in the drip irrigation system's individual pots. Cover the seedling with heydite, a porous rock mixture.
- 3). Introduce the plants to the metal halide or fluorescent light source by gradually moving the bulb 1 inch closer every two to three days. When plants are mature, they will require 16 to 18 hours of light and eight hours of complete darkness. Maintain a daytime temperature of 64 to 77 degrees F and a nighttime temperature of 53 to 64 degrees F.
- 4). Maintain a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.3 by checking the pH level, or level of acidity in the soil with a home test kit. Potassium hydroxide can be added to soil to raise pH, and phosphoric acid will lower pH levels. Fertilize plants with 4 liters of nutrient solution per day and change the nutrient reservoir once a week.
- 5). Transfer pollen with a small paint brush to the open stigma of each flower over several days when the plant's petals are bent back and the stigma is exposed. Support the plants by using plastic twine to encourage vertical growth and support the fruit. Remove bottom leaves when they become yellow and dry to help air flow and prevent disease.
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