Zone 8a. So my recently (3 days ago) transplanted seedlings are all curling under. This started happening within a few hours after planting. This is my first year doing my own plants from seed but I'm guessing I didn't harden them off enough.
However, I do have some seedlings, sitting in the same area, but still in their smaller pots, they are not doing this. So maybe something else?
Thinking I should shade them mid day for a few days to see if they perk back up?
What say you tomato veterans?
BTW this sub is awesome. Thanks everyone!
by CleverUserNameNumber
7 Comments
Did you give them a good watering after transplanting? Even with drip lines you need to water very well right after a transplanting
My insufficiently hardened seedlings have generally looked much worse than that – but they ultimately recovered just fine.
Water soluble fertilizer will give them the boost they need to get going. It looks like a bit of transplant shock.
Even though your soil has enough wood in it to be considered mulch,not your fault, you may want to use a real mulch to retain water and prevent weeds.
purple = needs magnesium
FEED and irrigate lightly daily
Water deep after transplant and allow the top spoil to dry before watering again.
They look fine to me. Takes a couple days for them to acclimate after transplanting. Give them a good water and fertilize them (I like tomato tone).
>>”Thinking I should shade them mid day for a few days to see if they perk back up?”
Yes, absolutely. Shade them for a week or so. Give them a chance to adjust to their new environment. Your seedlings don’t look bad at all. It’s normal for them to look a little woeful for a few days after that big transition. Don’t over-react and start spraying them with random stuff or feeding them this and that.
No matter how well hardened off they are, recovery from the root disturbance just requires a little time. (I’m in NE Texas.)