This is my first time starting tomato seedlings inside, and I’m really hoping to not screw it up. I’m growing a few varieties of Rutgers tomato seeds in zone 7a in the US. In the photo they’re outdoors because this is the first warm, sunny day we’ve had in a while, so I brought them out.
I don’t know how visible it is from the pictures, but many of my seedlings have been dropping leaves, and a few have leaves yellowing. Since planting them I’ve kept them under a pair of barrina grow lights with 7 hours of rest at night. I used good seed starting soil but didn’t fertilize them at all until a few days ago, because I am clueless. Is it evident what I may be doing wrong? Many thanks for any input.
by Internetblogger
3 Comments
Hi! Are there holes in the bottom of the cups? Be careful with bright midday sun as first step outside – early or late day, or overcast is more gentle for starting the hardening off.
How long have the leaves been falling off? Looks like over watering. Are you letting the soil dry off between waterings? And are there holes in the bottom? When I use pots that size im usually watering once or twice a week. And when you water are you setting them in water or pouring water on them? Water splashing the soil and getting on leaves can make them rot.
Yay, welcome to gardening! Not sure if this would cause it, but they look like they may be having issues where the leaves touch the cups. I would add gravel to the outer cup so the inner one sits higher. Once the toms are larger I’d also add more soil to top off the inner pot.