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Leggy Tomatoes |
Question:
I have started some tomato plants in the hopes to start my
own garden this year. They have sprouted and are now getting tall and
spindly. How do I strengthen them up?
Minnesota Master Gardeners say:
Your tomatoes aren't receiving enough light. A sunny window
is not sufficient for growing a sun-loving plant like a tomato. Fortunately,
there is a simple and inexpensive solution: a standard shop light.
Simply hang the light on chains so it can be raised as your plants
grow. It need not be more than an inch or so above the top of the plant.
Also, start a fan near your plants. The wind will help strengthen the
stems. Have the fan on low 8-10 hours a day and turn your seedlings so
the breeze comes from different directions occasionally.
As soon as the weather is warm enough, you can start taking your
seedlings outside and gradually build up their tolerance to sunlight.
The combination of sun and breeze outside will do wonders. Just be sure
to build up the tolerance (called hardening off) to the sun gradually.
It is very easy to burn your tender plants if you overdo it.
Finally, you may want to adjust your planting date next year. Many people
start their tomato plants too early, and when it comes time to put the plants
outside, they have become quite leggy. Determine what date you are
going to plant
them outdoors (about Memorial Day in the Twin Cities), then count backwards
6 to 8 weeks to determine the planting date.
For further reading,
Tomato time - well, almost:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/YGLNews/YGLN-Mar0101.html#tomato
Starting seeds indoors:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/H236startseeds.html