This is my first time growing tomatoes from seed. I’ve got romas and super steak hybrid. Zone 7b. Planted 5 weeks ago, just using natural sunlight, no grow lights. I’m very happy with how they’ve grown but I’ve got some questions!
How do I know when I can move them outside? The burpee seed pack says to move them outside one week before planting. I think the danger of frost has passed where I live so I’m wondering if it’s time to move them outside? How deep do I plant them in the ground when it’s time?
Are they getting too leggy?
I’m using the double cup method for watering but I think Ive been overwatering. I filled the lower cup up until the water level was about half way up my drain slits/holes of the upper cup. I kept watering to maintain that level but then I backed off because they were realllllly wet and I’m just trying to go by feel of the top layer of dirt??
The first set of leaves are drying up and falling off on some. Is this normal?
Any other tips/advice is appreciated!
by Mental-Hold339
3 Comments
The reason to start inside is just to extend the growing season. If you’re past the danger of frost then start the hardening process.
Congratulations! They look good, leggyness is hard to avoid. I’d wait until May 1st. They could grow a bit taller and stronger.
Where are you planting them. Garden or container
You will need to harden them off:
Day 1 – 1 hour outside
Day 2 – 2 hours outside
Day 3- 3 hours outside
Day 4- 4 hours outside
Day 5 – all day outside
Day 6 – in the garden
Some of them look a little leggy, but not too bad. Sounds like it’s time to start hardening them off outside, you can’t go straight from inside to ground in a day, set them out for longer and longer periods over a week or two before planting. Your instincts on watering were right, great job!
When you go to plant, pull off the lower level leaves and plant as deep as you possibly can. All those little hairs on the stem can turn into roots, so the deeper you plant, the bigger the potential root system. Make sure to add some slow release general fertilizer in the whole before planting for an extra kick.
I like to keep my plants pruned so they don’t turn into jungles, I’ll prune off all suckers except for one so the plant will have two main vines to produce on. Keeps them manageable but still produce well.
Just make sure to do proper spacing of the plants and to support them properly so they’re not falling over. Good luck tomato compadre!