Any idea why my plants leaves are curling?

4 years ago

Please help! I started these tomatoes from seed for my first time. I’m so proud of how far they’ve come but I’ve notices some of the first true leaves are beginning to curl. I’ve been using a LED grow light with full spectrum lighting. I felt like my seedlings were really stretching at first, so I ordered the light.

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daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

No, "moistness" is just fine. Tomato seedlings need moistness. Again, what you want to avoid is mud and puddles. Commercial potting soil of any kind is fine. I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a DIY mix with possible herbicide contamination. Now, these seedlings are large enough that they'd like some fertilizer. Have you given them any? Potting soil has pretty much ZERO fertilizer, unless it says it has some added. Yes, you can start seeds in most anything, but once they're started, they need some help.

A little tricky to add granular fertilizer to seedling pots, but you can proceed cautiously with that. The Dr. Earth stuff says it can be used with containers, so follow those directions. Also, "organic" fertilizer depends on microbial breakdown to supply nutrients. Sounds like this stuff comes innoculated with such microbes, but it won't happen fast. In general, anything in pots is best treated with regular chemical fertilizer, which is right-now stuff. Half-strength Miracle Gro is a good option.

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Comments (7)

daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
4 years ago
For the most part, they look fine. Overwatering can cause leaf roll, as can too much nitrogen. Since these appear to be seedlings that haven't seen the diseased and herbicided outdoors, I'd just chill. They don't look like they're lacking light. They are getting close to pot-up or plant-out size, though.
stevie
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
make sure you're letting the soil dry out between watering. it's good practice to stick your finger in the soil and wait until it's completely dry down past to the first finger knuckle or about 1 - 2 inches.. and when you do water, only give about 3 oz of water for a 16oz cup.
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Joslyn Whitney
Original Author
4 years ago
STATUS UPDATE: Some of the first true leaves have wilted further 😔 I’ve cut back on watering as often. Waiting for the soil to dry out in between. Any suggestions? Is this normal? I’m very green to the whole seed starting gig so any suggestions I am grateful for! Thank you!!
daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
4 years ago
I assume you're using some decent soil. Is this commercial potting soil or seed starting mix? Moist soil should not be a problem. What you need to avoid is mud and puddles. It's little hard to see. Are these full sized plastic cups that are filled with soil? I presume they have drainage holes in the bottom.
Joslyn Whitney
Original Author
4 years ago
They are currently in commercial potting soil 😣 I wasn’t able to find seed starting mix in my local town but had read claims that you “can start seeds in anything!” So of course, I figured why not give it a try. I bought Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer for when I move them into 5 gal buckets out on my deck.

These are full size plastic cups with holes in the bottom. I have a feeling they have been left too moist for too long. I think took the “keep soil moist” during the germination process and beyond a little too far.
Joslyn Whitney
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you so much! I’m not giving up hope on these guys. I’ll try to give them some bit of Miracle Gro love and see what comes of it. Like I’ve mentioned before, this is my first go around with even starting seeds. Up until the last couple of days, I’ve been very happy with how they turned out. Thank you for all your help!!