Seedlings

I planted tomato seeds, 5 different varieties, in a heated propagator in late March.  The seedlings are only about an inch tall.  The compost was newly bought - peat free, they were well watered and plenty of sunlight.

 

Can anyone explain why they haven't thrived?

 

 

Hi Jenny

 

That sounds far too small for the time of year. Not sure what the problem is without seeing them but here are a few thoughts:

 

a) 5 different varieties and non doing well points me to looking at the conditions they were all growing in.

 

Peat-free compost - perhaps this wasn't a very good batch or brand, they do vary. We usually stick to J Arthur Bowers New Horizon.

 

b)the heated propagator - does it have a thermostat? If not sometimes the temperature varies too much if the surrounding temperature varies.

 

I would see if you have a friend or neighbour who will let you have a tomato plant - you can plant out in the garden or in a pot on the patio - that way you will get some of your own fruit this year. Or you might get a plant in a garden centre....

 

Next year - aim to sow in Feb, perhaps use a different fresh bag of compost and use a heated propagator with a thermostat