Hastening Seedling Growth

[recruiterg]

I waited a little too long to tranplant (followed Dense Planting thread) and my seedlings are on the smallish side right now (avg around 2-3 inches high). I would like to plant them in the ground in about two weeks.

Any advice on what I can do to hasten the growth of the young seedlings? I am thinking of hitting them with a 50% solution of fish emulsion, however I fertilized young seedlings last year and it kind of set them back for a while.

[rxkeith]

glenn drowns at sandhill preservation has had good results starting seeds the first week of may, and planting out smaller plants. fertilizing right after transplanting doesn't sound like a good idea. let root growth support top growth. you want them healthy going in. smaller will get bigger.
my 2 cents


keith

[RandyG]

Plants will grow faster at higher temperatures, more light exposure, and plenty of moisture. Of course adequate, but not excess, fertility is important also. Just don't overdo any of the temperature, watering, or fertility. Spacing the plants farther apart in larger containers will also accelerate growth. By higher temperatures, I mean 80-85 degrees F day and 60-65 night. If you put plants in the ground by the first of June in MN, I think that would be early enough for that area. Tomatoes require fairly warm temperatures for best growth and fruit set, and it is hard to get ahead of the season.

[dustdevil]

At their current growth rate, your seedlings probably would be about 5" tall in two weeks...a wee bit smallish. Transplanting down to the first leaves would only leave a couple inches sticking up. I would give them MiracleGrow twice a week and start hardening them off now. You want the vine to be thick, so the wind doesn't snap 'em when they go in the ground/containers. I've put six inch transplants in the ground a couple times and they did fine. The little guys start growing by leaps and bounds when they get some rainwater and some good ole sunshine. Do your best and I'm sure everything will be fine.Since our zone 4 growing season is short, you may be cutting it close on some varieties. BTW: My zone 4 last frost date is May 26th.

[recruiterg]

Thanks for the replies. My plants are outside 100% now. I'll cover them in case of low temps, but otherwise, I intend to leave them outside.

[OneoftheEarls]

I have 22 out in northern MI but I have a styrofoam cover ready for each one...I advise you to be prepared for a frost and pray there isn't one....forecast in advance looks good here with plenty of rains

[recruiterg]

I went to work today and it was nice & sunny. Now it is cloudy, cold and windy. I hope this wind doesn't do any damage.

I have a cold frame and can close it if necessary, but can't close it from my office.

[Gobig_or_Gohome_toms]

I know what you mean Pat I did not close the door on my mini green house all the way this morning and just looked and wind is 26 gusting to 37 and only 54 degrees. The greenouse should be ok but I do have some of the wifes flowers out as well and they are not going to like the wind and cold.

Craig