Preparing Pumpkin, Tomato, and Vegetable Seeds for Planting (Australia)

Steve on the NSW South Coast wants seed-prep basics for pumpkin, tomato, and other veggies.

Pumpkin Seeds (From Fruit)

• Only save from open-pollinated (non-hybrid) varieties for true-to-type.
• Scoop, wash clean, dry 1–2 weeks on a plate.
• Store cool, dark, dry in a jar.
• Sow direct after last frost (soil 16–17°C), 3 cm deep, 4–5 seeds per mound, 2 m apart.
• Thin to 2–3 strongest per mound.

Tomatoes (Start Indoors)

• Sow 5–7 weeks before last frost under 40W fluorescents.
• Germinate at 21–26°C; after sprouting, drop to 16–21°C.
• Transplant to individual pots at first true leaves.
• Harden off 7 days before planting out in rich, drained soil, full sun.
• Ideal temps: days 28–29°C, nights 14–15°C. Mulch to cool roots in heat.

Resources

• Kansas State Extension (surprisingly applicable): hnr.k-state.edu/extension/
• Australian Govt Agriculture: agriculture.gov.au