Question
My plants started out looking great,and all of a sudden they are all drying up especially the leaves.Ihave checked the roots and they look o.k. Please tell me what ccould it be? At wits end in Aiken, S.C.

Answer
Carmen, when leaves turn brown it is usually an indication of too much water or fertilizer.

Excess water tends to saturate the roots, making it difficult for the roots to absorb oxygen and nutrients. The best approach is to only water the seedlings when the soil completely dries out. You then want to water them deeply so that the roots reach down. Shallow watering causes the roots to reach for the surface resulting in a weakened plant.

Excess fertilizer will burn the roots of young seedlings. I dilute my solution to 1/4 the recommended application until the plants are fully mature and transplanted in the garden.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike