potting up tomato seedlings

16 years ago

Is is true that for the healthiest tomato plants, seedlings need to be potted up twice before being put in the garden?

If so, what is the logic behind this process?

In the past I have repotted my seedlings but only because of timing issues. This year, however, I think I might be able to get away with not potting them up before planting out.

Thanks!

Michelle

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Comments (5)

strmywthr3
16 years ago
I've planted mine out with out potting up before. I'm not sure that it really makes a difference. The only reason to pot up would be if the plant is getting too big for the pot that it is in.
digdirt2
16 years ago
Hi Michelle - in a recent discussion on this question Carolyn posted the link I've given you below to explain the difference in root development between plants that are and those that are NOT transplanted (potted up) at least once before going to the garden.

Here is the original discussion if you want to review it.

My own personal experience has proven to me that this is very true. Potted up plants will develop substantially better root systems than those planted directly to the garden and multiple potting up (I do 3 - seedling tray to cell pack and from cell pack to individual container) before going to the garden has the additional benefits of slowing top growth and allowing the root development to catch up and reducing transplant shock.

Why not try your own experiment? Re-pot some of your plants and on others go direct to the garden. Note and compare the growth rates, health and production on them and at season's end, compare the root development on the pulled-up plants.

That way you can determine for yourself which works best for you. ;)

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Potting up tomato seedlings
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shellva
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the link to the other post concerning my question. I thought there was something on here making reference to potting up tomatoes before putting in the garden.

In the past I always started them indoors so early that I would need to pot them up a couple of times before our plant out sometime in mid to late April.

This year however I sowed them in jugs left outside and I waited until mid March. I thought I might be able to get away with not repotting them.

I checked on the seedlings yesterday. They are all doing very well so with approximately 3 weeks left to go, I will probably need to pot them up at least once anyway.

Again, thank you for your time...

Michelle
jolt47
16 years ago
Just curious what people use when transplanting into larger pots--soiless seed starting mix or regular potting soil?
digdirt2
16 years ago
Hi jolt - You'll find several discussions on this here. Most I think use soil-less potting mix/media - Pro Mix, Metro Mix 360, MG with Moisture Control are ones that are often mention. No "potting soil", not for containers. ;)

I ran out of Pro Mix and am waiting on an order so until then I have been using WalMart's Expert Gardener potting mix - it's soil-less. Some use mixes with added time-release fertilizers, some don't and use supplemental feeding.

Dave

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potting up tomato seedlings

Comments (5)

strmywthr3

digdirt2

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shellva
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potting up tomato seedlings

Comments (5)

strmywthr3

digdirt2

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shellvaOriginal Author

jolt47

digdirt2

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shellva
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