boosting tomato seedlings necessary? - Ask Extension
Hello - about 3 weeks ago I transferred good-looking (but very small ) seedlings into a 50:50 (by weight) mixture of potting mix and Leafgro compost, ...
Knowledgebase
boosting tomato seedlings necessary? #867023
Asked May 04, 2024, 3:07 PM EDT
Hello - about 3 weeks ago I transferred good-looking (but very small ) seedlings into a 50:50 (by weight) mixture of potting mix and Leafgro compost, with no additives. The potting mix was 0.3%/0.1%/0.1% nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. The Leafgro doesn't show its analysis. The plants have been under LED grow lights all day long very day, and I have just started putting them out in the sun. I am concerned that my plants haven't grown very much, and are not a rich green (the photo is a representative sample of the plants). Yesterday I added a layer of compost, and plan to water from the top. Are they stunted or underfed with nutrients? Will these plants catch up when planted around May 15? If they need more nutrition, what would you recommend? I have a bottle of "plant starter" solution with an analysis of 3%/12%/4% nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and soluble potash. Is that needed or appropriate at this time?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We are not likely to get any more cold weather. Take your seedlings and put them into the prepared bed. Mix agricultural lime (about 1 tbs per plant) into the soil before planting to prevent blossom end rot. Plant deeply, so only a few leaves are above the soil surface and water the plants. The stems below ground level will grow roots and help prevent potential drought damage. The plants should recover from transplant shock and do well. (If they have been "shocked" too much and do not recover within a week or two, I suggest that you purchase some seedlings and plant them outside immediately. You still have plenty of time...)
Next time just start your tomatoes in fresh potting mix before planting. When placed outside for the first time, choose a protected and shady location for about a week before transplanting to the tomato bed.
Leaf Gro is a soil amendment and can be added to flower and vegetable beds if organic matter is needed (based on a soil test). It can be used as a top dressing too. I only use it 50/50 when putting in a new shrub or tree.
I have attached some links that you may find useful.
Growing Tomatoes in a Home Garden | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
Soil Testing | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
About Leafgro – Maryland Environmental Service (menv.com)
Good luck
Len
Next time just start your tomatoes in fresh potting mix before planting. When placed outside for the first time, choose a protected and shady location for about a week before transplanting to the tomato bed.
Leaf Gro is a soil amendment and can be added to flower and vegetable beds if organic matter is needed (based on a soil test). It can be used as a top dressing too. I only use it 50/50 when putting in a new shrub or tree.
I have attached some links that you may find useful.
Growing Tomatoes in a Home Garden | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
Soil Testing | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
About Leafgro – Maryland Environmental Service (menv.com)
Good luck
Len
Here is a better soil testing link for home gardeners.
Len
Soil Testing and Soil Testing Labs | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
Len
Soil Testing and Soil Testing Labs | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
Dear Len - it is encouraging that you didn't say that the plants look stunted, which was my big concern. I started hardening them off 3-4 days ago, so I will continue that for another 3-4 days, them plant them. Thank you for the informative response. I really appreciate it. - Jim On 5/6/24 11:24, Extension Foundation wrote: >
