dwarf seed babies

[FILMNET]

I have some dwarf seed I've started, they are very small first leaves and growing leggy. 2 inch so far with only 2 leaves, very delicate. should i wait for the next leaves before moving to pots?

[Paul R]

I would wait till they get their first true leaves.

[dice]

I would wiggle them around a little with finger tips.
That will induce them to grow a little more stocky.
Blowing on them helps, too.

(They stretch out like that because of the low indoor light
levels. A little breeze or touching them makes the stems
get stronger.)

[FILMNET]

these are under lights 2 inch's, they are small. maybe only 1/2 inch.

[travis]

I often pluck out the little sprouts when then have only the cotyledons open and before the true leaves appear - especially when sprouts are that close together. It's so easy to move them when there's just a tap root and some little hair roots just beginning to grow out from the tap.

It helps to bottom water them a few hours before pricking the extra sprouts out of a cell. Then you can take a coffee stir stick or whatever and dibble them right up out of the damp mix.

Also, make sure the cells you plan to move them to have been watered so the bedding mix is damp and won't draw moisture out of the ruptured tap roots. Then bury them in their new bedding all the way right up under the cotyledon petals.

[nctomatoman]

travis, I transplant seedlings of all ages directly into dry mix then water, and don't lose a single one. Don't baby those babies...they are tough, and I feel, benefit from just a bit of rough handling to me them tougher!

[stormymater]

that's right - smack 'em around & tear 'em apart - really, they do fine if kept in partial shade for a few days afterwards (or under lights).

[ContainerTed]

Roughing up those babies? Isn't that against the law? You know, seedling abuse. The ASPCTS will probably investigate (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Tomato Seedlings). L O L