Thanks so much. I figured it was in my head :) One of the "stunted" tomatoes seems to have grown a little. They both have strange tiny mushrooms forming at their base which I assume means the soil is too damp so I think I will lay off watering that section. My whole garden saw rain for the first time in its 3 month existence on Friday.... so far all that means for me is a lot of powdery mildew to deal with. Who know rain could be such a problem for plants? :)

Thanks for the reply. I will look out for heirloom seeds. Might already be but will make sure next time. I've also picked up something else that is interesting with this experiment. I started to get some algae growth within the containers (as expected) and thought it wise to treat the solution with H2O2 thinking that the extra dissolved oxygen will be beneficial and probably aid in the prevention of some fungal diseases. So I added a very small amount of the peroxide seeing that its the 40% one. About 5mil in one of the 25L containers. I started to notice the plant stressing out after about 30mins but perk back up as the hottest part of the day ended. So my thought process for possible reasons. Correct me if I'm wrong (I'm a noob in horticulture). 1. The decomposition of the algae took more dissolved oxygen out than what the hydrogen peroxide could put in. or 2. The plant experienced some shock due to a sudden increase in O2? (unlikely I think). or 3. The H2O2 was not mix properly and some concentrated parts got into direct contact with the plant roots and whacked it a bit. The other plants seemed ok with massive algae growth so I didn't treat them. I might be misunderstanding the entire process and what effects algae have on plant roots and or the nutrients. We're told to get rid of it in hydroponics but I'm not sure why? The nutrients that they take up are surely released back when they die out? But I can understand if they suffocate the roots or create an imbalance that it should go. Hope you guys might shed some light in regards to this. Have a great day. Cheers

I've read about ants making nests in the roots of a tomato plant, with the result being a dead plant. I think the problem is that they remove enough soil that the roots dry out. Here are some home remedies which shouldn't affect the tomatoes: = Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) in a ring around the nest. When ants walk through this, it pierces their exoskeletons and they will die. [DE is a rough white powder, the fossilized skeletons of diatoms, a type of algae. It is sold in some garden centers. You could also try agricultural supply places or stores that feature organic foods and other natural products.] = Mix 1 cake of yeast with 1/3 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of molasses. Put it in low lids near the ant nest. Ants love sweets and will take it back to the nest; the yeast will expand inside their bodies and kill them. [Freeze whatever you don't use.] = Crush grains of white rice with a mortar and pestle. Sprinkle it around the anthill. The ants will take it inside the nest. It will expand inside their bodies and kill them. (Some people use grits instead of rice. Powdered tapioca should work too.) = Mix 1 part sugar with 2 parts borax. Add enough water to make a gel. Put this bait on squares of cardboard or low plastic or metal lids (low enough that ants can enter and leave easily; you can also raise the dirt around the sides of the lid to make a ramp). The ants will take this back to the nest and they will all die. [Too much borax isn't good for tomatoes, so don't use a lot of this in the garden.]

Well, let me tell you. This require some surgical specializion. Just as not every doctor can do hear or brain surgery, so not every gardener can separate three 2 feet tomato plants grown in a 12" pot. Then just like surgery, there will be no 100% guarantee. If I havd to do it, firt I would prune them to minimal size couple of days before. Them have my garden spot, glove, and knife (very sharp one)ready. 1- Water the pot thoroughly. Better yet immerse it in water. 2- Take it out, lay it down on its side, and try to separate one of them , by slight shaking.I would cut some of the tangled roots as I continue. 3- Immediatly bring it to the garden spot(that has been prepared). 4- While holding the plant from its stem, try to keep the roots mostly vertican and spread while filling around/between the roots with good fine moist soil and packing it gentlty, until the plant can stand up on its own. 5- Water it thoroughly, so that the soil snuggs the roots, add more soil. You hav to get the air out and in order to do that the soil has to replace the air. Continue withe the second and third one. P.S. watering and feeding the plant prior to surgery is important, since it will not get thirsty and/or hungry soon.