Start with clean 4-inch pots and pre-moistened, high-quality potting mix (you can also make your own potting mix at home).ĭon’t skip this step.
TRANSPLANTING TOMATO PLANTS HOW TO
How to repot tomato seedlings in 4 easy steps Step 1: Gather the supplies you’ll need to repot your tomato seedlings. Burying the stems will strengthen them and encourage new root development. You should also pot up leggy tomato seedlings to keep them from stretching any further and growing pale and spindly. The first leaves that sprout (called cotyledons) are not leaves at all, but embryonic structures from the seed that provide nutrition until the seedling can make its own food.Ĭotyledons naturally drop off after a few days once the true leaves unfold and begin the task of photosynthesis, making way for adult growth on the plant. Tomato seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they are at least 3 inches tall, and have their first true leaves, which are the second and subsequent sets of leaves that appear. Transplanting tomato seedlings deep in the soil stimulates the adventitious roots and creates a larger and healthier root system that will take up more nutrients and anchor your plant when it finally goes in the ground. Given ample moisture and sunlight, these roots will continue to grow like the ones underground and can even plant themselves in the soil if they get long enough. Yes, every single one of those bumps has the potential to be a root! (I like to call them “air roots,” and contrary to what many people think, the fuzzy hairs on the stems do not turn into roots themselves - they contain the oils responsible for the distinctive smell of tomato leaves.) In fact, if you live in a humid climate, you may have even noticed adventitious roots forming above ground from tiny bumps (nubs) on the stem. They have the ability to form new roots (called adventitious roots) along their stems, which help the plants grow more vigorously.
Tomato seedlings are unique in that they like their stems buried deeply. Repotting tomato seedlings might feel like unnecessary work if you just want to move things along, but there’s a good reason for it: This extra step allows you to take advantage of their remarkable talent to grow roots along their stems. What are the benefits of repotting tomato seedlings? Transplant your tomato a second time for better root growth.
Feed your tomato seedlings with an organic fertilizer. Let your transplants acclimate under dappled light or party cloudy weather. 4 tips for taking care of your tomato transplants.Step 4: Place a seedling in each pot and bury the stem up to its lowest set of leaves.Step 2: Remove the seedlings from their seed starting pots.Step 1: Gather the supplies you’ll need to repot your tomato seedlings.How to repot tomato seedlings in 4 easy steps.When should you repot tomato seedlings?.What are the benefits of repotting tomato seedlings?.
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