Hi there! I am starting seeds indoors for the first time this year and am wondering how big do I allow the seedlings to get before I transfer them into a larger container? I don't want their roots to get all root bound before I'm able to plant them in the ground. Just don't know what the rule of thumb is for when they are ready to move into the next pot size up!
I potted my tomatoes up when they got 3 or 4 of their "real" leaves - not the cotyledons - went from yogurt containers to cut off 2-liter bottles - so far, so good!
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers
Thanks Amanda! I am so excited for my little plants to get bigger! The promise of heirloom tomatoes and peppers in these little guys is making me giddy with excitement!
Just transplanted some tomatoes today. What I usually do is transplant them when they have their 2 first real leaves . The stem is usually pretty long also by this time. But I push my finger in the soil mix and only let just a bit of stem and the top leaves stick out. Push the moist soil gently around the stem, cause they can break very easy. And once I get my flat all filled I water gently to settle the soil. Then I give them a day or so and start taking them out under the porch during the day and in at night. Till they are starting to hold. You can tell they will get perky and you know the roots are taking off. And if your weather is warm you can then start leaving them out at night, still without direct sunlight. (like mentioned I keep the on a covered porch. Then gradually introduce them to a little more full sun each day. This is what has worked for me. Someone else might have more or better ideas. My dad always told me that when you get your tomato plants break off the bottom leave and just let the top, plant with most of the stem in the ground. It will grow more root on the stem and become a stronger healthier plant.
Seedling Transplanting
Posted - May 03 2009 : 2:57:17 PM
