Question
Hi!  I am working on my first garden and started tomatoes, cucumber, squash and peppers from seeds inside a few weeks ago.  I have a lot of sprouts, especially the tomatoes.  I have one of those little greenhouse cell tray things.  I had no idea what I was doing, so the tomato seed were so tiny, I threw a handful into each hole.  Now there are 2-6 two inch plants growing out of each one.  I'm afraid that they are going to start dying.  What do I need to do to keep them alive and get them ready to transplant outdoors in the middle of April?  I know I will need to harden them off, should I start separating them into different containers now?

Thanks for your help!

Jennifer

Answer
Jennifer, you definitely need to thin them out once they develop their second set of leaves. I know it sounds harsh, but it is not practical to save each one and replant it. Snip all but the healthiest and most robust seedling at the base with a sharp pair of snippers or scissors. Place the discarded ones in the compost or garden where they will decompose and feed the soil.

As for the remaining seedlings, water them from the bottom to avoid disturbing the roots. The seed cells have holes on the bottom which will allow the potting medium to absorb the water. Only water when needed, which is when the top 1/2 inch of soil dries out. Excess watering is the number reason for unsuccessful seed starting.

Once the seedlings reach 4 inches, you can apply a diluted solution of a water-soluble fertilizer at one fourth of the recommended rate. This should be enough until the plants are ready to be transplanted into the garden. And as you mentioned, be sure to harden them off to avoid transplant shock.

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

Regards,

Mike