oops tried to germinate seeds in topsoil

I'm a beginner gardener and last night I tried to start tomato seeds in topsoil instead of a soiless mix.
What should I do? Pick the seeds out and replant? Leave them be? Add some kind of miracle grow?
Suggestions would be appreciated.

This message was edited May 14, 2009 11:12 AM

I've started quite a few seeds directly in my garden and not in a "soiless mix." It may not be an issue. If you fear they won't germinate, then start a 2nd set in seed starters and keep whichever end up being the best starters. You may end up keeping all of them though!

Hi ianl. Ditto to Qinx. Your tomatos should be just fine in topsoil. Mix becomes important with slow germinators and slow growers which remain tender longer so more at risk for fungus that might be in the soil. Tomatos are tough! Happy seeding ^_^

Tough is the right word for tomatoes. When I was setting up one of my raised beds this spring I kept pulling little weeds and cursing each one as I did so. It took me ages to realize they were volunteers from last years out of control tomato patch. Now I have to decide what to do with all those "weeds" still in the garden. (Had several varieties of heirlooms so they may well have cross-bred)

Bottom line is that seeds contain their own nutrients. They are started in a sterile mix to reduce the chances of evil stuff in the soil like fungi. (I am far from expert at this but am pretty good at being a lazy gardener). I agree that, if you have seeds left, to plant some in starter and hope for the best. I am wondering if it might be a little late to start tomatoes but I have no idea what your season is.

I had a good stand of tomatos in my compost pile one year from tossing in spent tomatos ^_^