Hi Trisha, Repotting, has to do with how you grow? When I was a child, 30+ years ago, we rooted our leaves in a glass of water, and grew our violets in soil from the garden in clay pots! That method still works by the way, for some varieties. But it does not necessarily produce "show quality" growth or blooming, and requires a lot more attention re: the health of the plant. The basic "perferred" AV soil, these days consists of 30% peat, 30% vermiculite, and 30% perlite. It is a soiless mix, which does promote maximum growth and blooming (provided you provide the right temp., humidity, light, water, and fertilizer.) The big problem with soiless mixes, is that over time the peat breaks down, and the soil becomes more acidic. If you use a high peat soil, it is much easier to repot every 6 months than it is to try to control the PH. In the old days, I used to repot only when the plants were growing out of their pots. Now, I do everything differently, (and I have a bit more discipline ;-). In general, violets perform much better in a soiless mix, and much more consistently when you control all of the culture variables. There is no reason to repot, if you are satisfied with your results. I have pictures of plants I've grown from 20 yrs. ago ... to look at them, it's hard to believe they were grown in garden soil, in clay pots, in windows, from leaves rooted in a glass of water!!! Whatever works! and we learn from our mistakes. Happy growing. Russell

Howdy! Yes, you can re-pot into a fast-draining soil! This time of year is excellent for pinching, pruning, re-potting, et cetera. Since you know to refrain from watering, I don't think a re-potting would pose much of a risk at all. Besides, Nelson will be much healthier through the winter if re-potted now. What ingredients do you have available? Josh

Usually it is recommended to start tomato seeds 5 to 7 weeks before planting outside. I started my 4th of July tomatoes early February, almost 5 weeks ago and they are about 4 inches tall. so if 2 inches per weeks is right, by May 1st they will be 18" tall!. There are several reasons why i started early. I want tomatoes early in the season. Plus i am thinking to repot them to the second leaves so they have stronger roots and control the plant size. So to answer your question, a 3 to 4 month plant will be about 4 to 9 feet tall depending on the type of plant, indetermine or determine. I am not so sure if you can grow them without fertilizer at all. They will need it. Good luck!

Then I would definitely wait until after it blooms. Sounds as if you have ideal conditions. Here in North Texas, they suffer through the summer heat, bloom after the nignts cool off (I have some blooming now due to rain and much cooler weather), then must be overwintered in the greenhouse or the plant room. The ones I have in the ground get cut back to the ground and mulched heavily. Lots of work, but as long as I can, I will grow them.