Once all the seeds have been sown, cover them with a light layer of soil and sand, about the thickness of the seed; but not too thick, or they won't germinate. Then they are watered gently, ideally again using a watering can to prevent them from getting washed away. The trays or pots are then covered with clear plastic wrap or the lid of the mini greenhouse. Now you have to be careful with the water: the young tomatoes don't like being too moist, but they shouldn't dry out either. After about 10 days, the first shoots with two cotyledons will develop. To germinate, tomato seeds need temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius. Once the cotyledons become visible, place the seedlings in a bright, slightly cooler location, and the seedlings will grow more compactly. As soon as the first true tomato leaves appear, you can prick out the young plants, i.e., separate them and plant them in larger containers.
