Question
Tomato Plant
Hi Tom,
A few weeks ago I planted various types of seeds indoors under plant lights. I planted tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, zinnias and marigolds. All of them started to grow normally. They were strong and very green. For the past three days, I set them outside during the day and bring them in the house at night. Yesterday when I brought them inside, about 80% of the tomato plants turned yellow and started wilting very quickly, within about 2 hours. The other plants still looked healthy. Today I set them outside again. It was about 60 degrees, low humidity, and sunny. This time, most of the remainder of the plants began to turn yellow and wilt after being outside for about 8 hours. The plants are in individual plastic pots with drainage holes in the bottom and I used Miracle Grow Seed Starting Formula. I have been growing vegetables and flowers from seed for about 15 years and have never encountered anything like this. Do you have any idea what might be going on with my plants? I've attached a picture of some of the plants. Thank you for any input.
Sarah
AnswerHi Sarah,
Thanx for your question. I too, have been growing things from seeds for probably 30 or more years. One thing I've noticed is that seedlings should be placed in the shade when first introduced outdoors from inside. Then you can start exposing them to more sunlight as they get more accustomed to being moved in and out. Some of your pots look kind of dry so I'd make sure they get some more water. Has it been windy outdoors? Also, anything lower than 55癋/13癈 is going to be too cool for that young of a plant. Tomatoes and peppers do fine at reduced heat between 55癋/13?and 65癋/18癈 but lower will stunt them even harm them if done for extended periods. I've always found the plants the size you show in your picture (thank you, by-the-way!) are a bit too young to start going out. I'd let them get to a more manageable size say 4inchs/10cm or so before starting to expose them outdoors. I hope this helps.
Tom
