Question
I wrote you before and you were helpfull,this is the second year I started plants indoors and the other day I transplanted 8 week old tomato and pepper plants outdoors after hardening them off for almost 2 weeks ,the tomatos are fine but my 4 pepper plants that I put in big pots have some leaves with brown tips,Is it normal for all plants to suffer some transplant shock and what could I do to make sure they adjust as easily as possible? Also I need to purchase a cherry tomato plant ,I used to buy the biggest one the nursery had but I was reading that you shouldn't and definitely never buy one with blossoms because it has been in it's pot way too long and it;s roots are too stressed,your opinion?  

Answer
Peter, this is a common symptom after transplanting.  Different plants, depending on the variety, react in different ways depending on the soil, weather, and their own characteristics.  The good news is that this condition normally corrects itself within a few weeks.  I would add some compost or aged manure as a mulch, and apply a diluted solution of a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus.

In regard to the cherry tomato plants, it all depends on the size of the pot.  You need to look at the root ball.  If the roots are pot-bound, it would not be a good idea to purchase that plant.  If however, the roots are healthy and not wrapped around the ball, the plant should do fine.  The secret is repotting the plant every 4 weeks.  Whether or not it is flowering has no bearing on how it will do once transplanted into the garden.

I hope this answered your question.  Have a great week.

Mike