So I started my tomatoes almost two months ago and they look pathetic.
They haven’t grown since the first week or so…what’s going on?!? Last year by this time they were quadruple this size and way healthier looking!! Here’s what is different from last year:
1. Used seeds from last year that were kept in the fridge
2. Started in seed starting mix and never transplanted into soil
3. Temp might be cooler in the house this year?
4. Used biodegradable pots instead of plastic cups (I’m starting to think this plus the soil is the culprit!)
They’ve been watered frequently and kept under grow lights. What do you think happened? They aren’t even strong looking enough to transplant so we’re gonna have to buy plants. Maybe I’ll just say a prayer and stick them outside. I have nothing to lose at this point, right?
My sweet potatoes slips and bell peppers look a little better than the tomatoes, but not much:
On a more positive note, my strawberries are growing well and even have blooms! Hopefully we’ll be getting some berries this year:
The corn and potatoes are also growing fast:
What are you growing right now?
That being said, we have jalapeno's started from seed (only because we had to - they take forever). I will try to transplant them in a couple of weeks. I tried to plant spinach outside, but it didnt come up at all. I planted onions outside just last week (seed), so those havent come up yet. But the pea pods are doing great!!
Looking forward to seeing your garden in the upcoming weeks! :-)
I also have a question: I tried to grow sweet potato by laying it for 1/3 in water, but it did't work. I did it twice, bought one at an organic store.... Any idea what went wrong?
Greetings,
Annemieke
I've only grown sweet potato slips once. I just put them in water and one sprouted like crazy and the other one didn't so I'm not much help. Sorry! I did use sweet potatoes from my garden last year though.
My garden book said that a stunted,darkish purple tomato plant with no growth meant a lack of phosphorous.
You could easily rescue the whole project by transplanting your tomatoes in a different soil ("schultz (sp?)" was a winner here)apply manure tea and watch the them improve in a few days. They will take a bit to completely recover.
I firmly believe that some potting seed start mixes are lacking in certain nutrients that tomatoes and peppers need, and squash couldn't care less!
Happy gardening! ~Lisa
Place them all on a baking pan with sides or better yet, one of those black garden trays if you have them. Add water to the bottom of the pan/tray and let it soak up the water from the bottom and saturate the peat moss cup and soil. Also, place the entire tray on a heating pad covered with a towel OR pull out some Christmas lights , plug them in and place the tray on top. This should create some heat to get them going. If it's been more than two weeks, mix a bit of Fish Emulsion with water and give it to them as well (water from the top gently). You'll need to leave them somewhere that the smell won't be offense (not your dining room!). In about 2 days the smell will be gone.
Hope this helps!
Amy