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Re: Transplanting

Natalie/Dot,
Thanks for the tip about the fan strengthening the stems of transplant 
tomatoes (probably other veggies too).  That's the first I've heard 
that one, but it sounds logical to me.  I'm going to try it on my 
transplants (20 so far). Speaking of transplants, I used Miracle Grow 
at ½ strength on my transplants, which is high phosphorus and good for 
a strong root system.  However, there is another high phosphorus 
product in the Gardner's supply catalog called RootsPlus, which I 
believe is organic (have you heard of that, Natalie??).  I was 
thinking of sending away for some.  If you guys or anyone else have 
had any experience with this stuff, let me know!!
Thanks,
Diana
Albuquerque, New Mexico

----------
From:  Natalie McNair-Huff[SMTP:nitcha@WOLFENET.COM]
Sent:  February 18, 1997 1:48 AM
To:  Multiple recipients of list SQFT
Subject:  Re: Transplanting

Dot,

Did you transplant these outside or into bigger pots? If it was 
outside, I
would definitely recommend not planting more out and cover the ones 
you did
with a little green house made from 2-liter pop bottles or bring them 
back
in. We don't generally plant tomatoes or peppers out until early to 
mid-May
and we are in Tacoma, WA -- same zones as you.

However, if you are just moving to a bigger pot, the peppers don't 
really
need to be buried above the first leaves. If the stems look week bury 
to
first leaves. I personally do not use fertilizers like miracle grow 
because
they are not organic. But using a weak fertilizer on transplants and 
inside
plants is a good idea as long as it does not contain too much 
nitrogen. Too
much N on tomatoes and peppers and most flower or pod producing 
vegetables
will make lots of leaves but few fruit.

If these are still inside, you may want to place a low fan near the
peppers/tomatoes before planting out as some of us thinks this helps
strengthen the stems. When we plant tomatoes outside we plant them 
deep
enough for soil to cover the first two leaves. However, as I said, I 
think
it is too early to plant these outside.

And now I see that you did indicate that they are not outside, so 
ignore
that bit. Also, if you plant them in big enough pots now, you won't 
have to
repeatedly transplant. I've found that repeated transplanting can 
stunt
growth or harm roots. Go ahead a mix a little WELL COMPOSTED compost 
into
the starter mix.

Basically your starts should look green and upright and not be too 
spindly.
If they look sick to you they probably are -- just forget about them, 
they
won't be worth the hassle of growing and it is early enough to grow 
more
starts if you need to.

Good Luck,
Natalie

Natalie McNair-Huff
Happily Gardening in Tacoma, WA Sunset zone 5; USDA Zone 7/8
Publisher/Editor Mac Net Journal http://www.blol.com/web_mnj/
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