Especially when they say "ALL of the seeds germinated. Now what?"
This week, a customer asked me about transplanting tomatoes. She said: The book just says 'Transplant tomatoes' but I don't understand when to do it.
We have a few tips and tricks. Enjoy!
Transplanting Tomato Seedlings
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-Before transplanting, work in a bit of compost for added nutrients. -If you don't have compost or want to give your tomatoes an added boost, bury a handful of dead leaves and 1-2 banana peals several inches below the soil before you transplant. -Remove the lower leaves from the stem and bury your seedling several inches deeper than it's current container. This will encourage the tomato plant to grow more roots and grow stronger. -Don't overcrowd tomato plants. I know I get excited in the garden but tomato plants need plenty of fresh air to avoid disease. -Water the soil thoroughly after transplanting and consider a liquid feed to reduce shock. -Transplant time is a great time to plant companions around your tomatoes such as: Basil, Borage, Marigold and Naturtiums. These will deter bag bugs and attract good bugs!
-Sprinkle
the plant and surrounding dirt with Diatomaceous Earth. Adding a new
seedling into the garden is like offering a feast to those nasty tomato
hornworms and other harmful pests.
Diatomaceous Earth kills aphids,
white flies, beetles, loopers, mites, snails, slugs, leaf hoppers, and
harmful pests. Use Diatomaceous Earth inside your home, greenhouse or
outdoors on fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains and grass.
Apply Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth up to and including day of harvest. |
If you have additional questions about getting started or would like more info please feel free to ask. As always, I am happy to help.
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