First Transplant

[willyb]

Hi all,

2012 Tomatoes First Transplant

What works for me.

Soil
Same for seed starting and first transplant

12 Gallons

1 Peat Moss 1
1 Vermiculite 1
1 Perolite 1
1 Compost or low cost potting soil less than .5 .5 .5
Bone Meal 2 cups

Water
Used from seed starting to final grow out

2 Gallons warm tap water (I de-chlorinated for seed starting until first sprout, not after)
3 Tbls 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (adds oxygen and helps prevent damping off)
1 Tbls 4-12-4 fertilizer (1/5 recommended strength every water)
1 old 250 mg Calcium Magnesium pill, crushed.

Notes
Let soil dry well between waterings to prevent damping off
After transplanting, soak plants. Let excess water drain
Move plant to a sunny window

Light
I keep GE T8 Aquarium and plant florescence and GE kitchen and Bath lights on 24 hours day, no more than 1 inch above plants until first transplant. It keeps the plants compact as it is early for a northern garden and grows good roots. 16 hours light would probably be fine. I am a creature of habit and have always done it this way. Don’t’ have to worry about turning lights on and off and don’t need a timer. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.