A Couple Seedling Questions From a Newbie

pdxwindjammer · March 16, 2010

This is only my second year trying tomatoes from seeds. Almost all the seeds I planted have sprouted now and they are under the lights in my garage. I have a few questions.

1. How soon is too soon to start hardening them off? We are going to have a few days of mild, somewhat warm (65 degree) weather this week. Can I put them out for an hour or so, even though they are just babies?

2. I picked up a bunch of 4 inch recycled pots from a nursery the other day for free. Do I need to sterilize them before I repot the seedlings in them? If yes, how?

3. Do I need to use the expensive seed starting mix for potting up? If not, what is the best soil to use? I have read about the hand mixed soilless mix.

4. I have also read about fertilizing the seedlings. When should this be done? I plan on purchasing a spray bottle today and some fish emulsion and spraying them when the time comes.

Okay, admittedly I have more than a couple of questions and I will most likely have more!

Thanks to you all for sharing your expertise!

March 16, 2010	#1
pdxwindjammer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 625	A Couple Seedling Questions From a Newbie This is only my second year trying tomatoes from seeds. Almost all the seeds I planted have sprouted now and they are under the lights in my garage. I have a few questions. 1. How soon is too soon to start hardening them off? We are going to have a few days of mild, somewhat warm (65 degree) weather this week. Can I put them out for an hour or so, even though they are just babies? 2. I picked up a bunch of 4 inch recycled pots from a nursery the other day for free. Do I need to sterilize them before I repot the seedlings in them? If yes, how? 3. Do I need to use the expensive seed starting mix for potting up? If not, what is the best soil to use? I have read about the hand mixed soilless mix. 4. I have also read about fertilizing the seedlings. When should this be done? I plan on purchasing a spray bottle today and some fish emulsion and spraying them when the time comes. Okay, admittedly I have more than a couple of questions and I will most likely have more! Thanks to you all for sharing your expertise!