Tomatoe seedling issues - Ask Extension
I started tomatoes from seed indoors. They had been doing great, but now I have issues. The leaves curl and eventually that branch dies, usually from ...
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Tomatoe seedling issues #866827
Asked May 02, 2024, 6:59 PM EDT
I started tomatoes from seed indoors. They had been doing great, but now I have issues. The leaves curl and eventually that branch dies, usually from the bottom up but now a few have top branches starting. I’ve repotted to bigger planters as they grew, and made sure the soil is a little lighter to drain well. I’m careful not to over or under water. I’ve adjusted the light distance. I put one in an even bigger pot this week and it was not root bound, the roots seemed ok, but not huge in growth. Other plants and flowers I started are doing great. They have not been outdoors. Any ideas? I am so sad to see them struggling.
Otter Tail County Minnesota
Expert Response
You didn't tell me whether you've fertilized or where your potting soil came from, so I'll start there.
You have to be very careful about fertilizing tomato seedlings. It is easy to overdo it. Your damage doesn't look like fertilizer burn, but it is a consideration.
When you transplant the tomatoes, they should go into a good-quality soil-less mix. Do not use garden soil, even as a mix-in. In addition to being heavy and poorly drained, garden soil can carry fungal diseases.
My final remark has to do with watering. When I first looked at your plants, before I read your message, I said to myself "overwatered". Please double-check that you are not overwatering. An inexpensive moisture meter might help.
And a note of caution: Quarantine the affected plants away from your other tomato plants.
You have to be very careful about fertilizing tomato seedlings. It is easy to overdo it. Your damage doesn't look like fertilizer burn, but it is a consideration.
When you transplant the tomatoes, they should go into a good-quality soil-less mix. Do not use garden soil, even as a mix-in. In addition to being heavy and poorly drained, garden soil can carry fungal diseases.
My final remark has to do with watering. When I first looked at your plants, before I read your message, I said to myself "overwatered". Please double-check that you are not overwatering. An inexpensive moisture meter might help.
And a note of caution: Quarantine the affected plants away from your other tomato plants.
