Tomato Seedling Problems - Page 3

NArnold · April 8, 2015

I think over water has been my problem for years with my tomato plants. Some of them have been doing a lot better since the dry out. The common consensus I think is over watering. Thanks for all your guys input.

I am growing 2 types of tomatoes, Big mama hybrid and Burpee Big Boy Hybrid.
The big boys seem to be poping out of there funk but the big mamas are not. I planted 10 new seeds of each to see what they look like by the time planting comes, just in case I cant save my current tomatoes. Hopefully it will go better this time since I know how to water them now. I think the big mamas are a lost cause.

One of the local nurseries told me that they thought I should start over because the plants already are diseased. I am not sure if they are right or know what they are talking about since they were not real sure what a self watering container was.

Which leads me to my next question. Is there a forum on here specifically for self watering containers? I saw the container forum.

My soil sucks here and I will not be planting these plants in the ground, I have 15 grow boxes that I was planning on putting these tomatoes in. I would like to put them in raised beds but that just isn't going to happen this year. They should be ready to go by next year.

What are your guys thoughts on self watering containers. I had 2 of them last year and another one of the local nurseries I think sold me the wrong kind of mix to put in them. Which may have led to some of my problems last year. The mix was peat based but it had a wetting agent in it, I think that is a no no in a SWC. The soil was really wet all the time, which makes me wonder after this experience with my seedlings if the soil in the SWC was too wet. If the soil in the SWC is so wet how does air get to the roots.

I found a local distributor for fox farms soil but it is expensive. What type of soil would you guys use in a self watering container.

NArnold · April 8, 2015

Here is one of my Big Boys now.
Big Boy (1280 x 960).jpg

And my Big Mama.
IMG_0507 (1280 x 960).jpg

And my Anaheim Chili Pepper.
Chili Pepper (600 x 450).jpg

I think the Chili looks ok, its maybe a little yellow.
My Big Boy still has some nasty looking spots on the leaves. I don't know if that will spread to the rest of the plant.
My big Mama looks terrible.

NArnold · April 14, 2015

My second round of tomatoes has sprouted.
My original round of tomatoes still look bad. I actually got rid of a couple of them to make space for some of my peppers. I started my veggies way to early this year, but a month later than last year. I am running out of room under my light.

Which leads me to my question. What temp can I set my tomatoes outside? Am I ok to set them outside in the morning if the temp is in the mid 40's. Today when I left for work is was 48 degrees out and the high today is 70 degrees. I am hoping I can get by putting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night so I can save room under my light.

Thanks
Nick

Cole_Robbie · April 14, 2015

I think that would be fine.

NArnold · April 14, 2015

Before I destroy my new seedlings, I thought I would ask some more questions. I obviously drown my tomato seedlings on my first try and I think maybe I have the watering down once they have their first set of true leaves.

How long should I wait to water my new seedlings, they just emerged from the soil this morning?

The soil they are in is pretty dry. It was slightly damp when I planted the seeds and all I did to get the seeds to germinate was lightly mist the top soil until it looked damp. I misted the top of the soil every night until they emerged. I am fairly confident the soil is dry.

Do the baby roots grow better in a dry soil?
Should I thoroughly water them and then let them dry out between waterings like normal. I think this is the point where I get into trouble, I want to make sure the new seedling has enough water and then I get over zealous and do more harm than good.

I have been letting the tomatoes wilt slightly before I water them after all your guys input.

Will the cotyledon leaves even wilt?
The cotyledon leaves haven't even opened yet.

Thanks Again
Nick

Tormato · April 14, 2015

"Before I destroy my new seedlings"...

Hmm...I see Lego/Duplo blocks in the near background of your plant pics. You seem to be tempting danger, no?

NArnold · April 14, 2015

Ha ha, my wife would like to have her living room back. I fill it with plants, and my son fills it with toys.

April 8, 2015	#31
NArnold Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: nebraska Posts: 25	I think over water has been my problem for years with my tomato plants. Some of them have been doing a lot better since the dry out. The common consensus I think is over watering. Thanks for all your guys input. I am growing 2 types of tomatoes, Big mama hybrid and Burpee Big Boy Hybrid. The big boys seem to be poping out of there funk but the big mamas are not. I planted 10 new seeds of each to see what they look like by the time planting comes, just in case I cant save my current tomatoes. Hopefully it will go better this time since I know how to water them now. I think the big mamas are a lost cause. One of the local nurseries told me that they thought I should start over because the plants already are diseased. I am not sure if they are right or know what they are talking about since they were not real sure what a self watering container was. Which leads me to my next question. Is there a forum on here specifically for self watering containers? I saw the container forum. My soil sucks here and I will not be planting these plants in the ground, I have 15 grow boxes that I was planning on putting these tomatoes in. I would like to put them in raised beds but that just isn't going to happen this year. They should be ready to go by next year. What are your guys thoughts on self watering containers. I had 2 of them last year and another one of the local nurseries I think sold me the wrong kind of mix to put in them. Which may have led to some of my problems last year. The mix was peat based but it had a wetting agent in it, I think that is a no no in a SWC. The soil was really wet all the time, which makes me wonder after this experience with my seedlings if the soil in the SWC was too wet. If the soil in the SWC is so wet how does air get to the roots. I found a local distributor for fox farms soil but it is expensive. What type of soil would you guys use in a self watering container.

April 14, 2015	#33
NArnold Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: nebraska Posts: 25	My second round of tomatoes has sprouted. My original round of tomatoes still look bad. I actually got rid of a couple of them to make space for some of my peppers. I started my veggies way to early this year, but a month later than last year. I am running out of room under my light. Which leads me to my question. What temp can I set my tomatoes outside? Am I ok to set them outside in the morning if the temp is in the mid 40's. Today when I left for work is was 48 degrees out and the high today is 70 degrees. I am hoping I can get by putting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night so I can save room under my light. Thanks Nick

April 14, 2015	#34
Cole_Robbie Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois, zone 6 Posts: 8,407	I think that would be fine.

April 14, 2015	#36
Tormato Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA Posts: 4,971	"Before I destroy my new seedlings"... Hmm...I see Lego/Duplo blocks in the near background of your plant pics. You seem to be tempting danger, no?