Please identify this problem (white leaves)

[rzr]

The soil was not completely dry throughout the day, but not too moist either, I watered them thorougly about 4 hours ago which is why the mix looks dark now.

I am wondering why the leaves are turning white. They were outside in 45-50 degrees temp for the first time lastnite. Could that be the problem?

[carolyn137]

RZ, I think possibly there are several reasons.

First, they look way too small to be even be put outside for hardening off and the temps are way too cool.

it's best to harden off when the seedlings are almost at outside transplanmt stage.

White leaves like that can come from sunscald or windscald as well. And when it's that cool and the seedlings so small and the mix is moist, that also can cause white leaves.

Please be nice to them and take them back inside where they have some warmth and can grow more before you start hardening them off.

[WildLife]

i agree
scald, from sun
dry from wind

[rzr]

man Grrrr I'm such a newb!!! hehe thanks

[rzr]

We shall see if they live through it. I think I still have plenty of time to see some tomatos this summer from them.

[garnetmoth]

rzr- youre learning! dont sweat it.

Are those just plasticware containers with lil holes in the bottom? ive been hoarding drive-thru cups (when i forget my travel mug) and milk cartons for planting up containers.....

[feldon30]

rzr, I see you are just north of Austin.

Really you ought to be planting tomatoes right now, next week at the latest. I would shop around for some transplants that are 8-10" tall, stocky, and ready to go just in case the ones you are growing don't catch up in time. I don't know what nurseries there are in Austin, but in Houston I have found Eva Purple Ball and dozens of other heirlooms, not just the usual hybrids.

Some tomato seed starting dates that might work for your area: January 5th, June 10th.

[Suze]

Just noticed this post. Yes, would second the recommendation that you consider shopping around for some well grown large transplants in addition to the ones you've already started.

This week/weekend and last week is/was a good time to plant out for your area, with perhaps some last minute additions early next week at the latest. What happens later in the summer here is that the hot temps denature (destroy) pollen, making fruit set difficult, if not impossible. Hence the importance of getting decent sized transplants in by a certain time.

[rzr]

The containers were like 3 for a 1.50 and a little deeper and wider then the small starting containers, so I went with them.

Those 2 plants are actually some of the smallest. I did go and buy 1 betterby 1 sweet 100 and 2 cherokee purple plants from a nursery that were all around 7 inches tall and they are in 2 of my homeade earthboxes now.

I have 3 sungold and 1 sunguar that should be ready in another week or two to transplant.

Everything else got slowed down from the sunscald or windsald, but they are still growing and will probably be ready in a month or maybe a little more. My brother is going to hook me up with a kelogs breakfast and black cherry tho, so I should be set. thanks for the replies

[Bryan24]

Your cherries should be fine. But we have about 11 plants (more if you count the bi-color f3s) that need a good home.....

laurel-tx

[feldon30]

I certainly have extra plants here in Houston if someone is interested. Particularly Cherokee Green, Brandy Boy, and Anna Russian but others as well.