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Re: Transplanting? (Was Re: more tomato questions)

On Wed, 26 Feb 1997 06:05:44 -0500, you wrote:

>Andre':
>
>You make some interesting points about holding off on watering after
>transplanting.  I have never heard of this but it makes sense.  
>
>I would like to ask a general question.  When I start my tomatoes, pepper
>and other seeds, I always start them in the size pot that they will
>eventually be transplanted into the garden.  This way I do not need to
>transplant to larger containers and disturb the root structure.  This seems
>easier to both me and the plant.  
>
>Is their some reason why people start their seeds in smaller containers and
>then transplant to larger containers?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ron Carson, South Carolina (68 degrees and Sunny) :-)
>
Hi Ron,

To leave tomato plants a couple of days without water when
transplanting into soil, is a method used by commercial growers for
growing tomatoes in greenhouses. I have a friend who uses this method
already for a long time with very good results. This year I will give
it a try also. In my opinion an important factor is the climate. I
don't think you can do this in very warm regions.

For a tomato, pepper or eggplant it is very important to have a good
root structure. The best way to get this is to transplant the small
plants into greater pots. The first time you transplant is after about
10 days. You preferably do this in a good pot ground which contains
already a good organic fertilizer (good waste compost, manure or a
commercial organic fertilizer). Here in Europe you can buy such ground
already prepared. You put the plants in the ground up to the small
germination leaves. Pay attention of the delicate stem. The
temperature should be 18-20°C (64-68°F).
After 2 weeks you transplant a second time in plastic pots of at least
10cm diameter. I don't like Jiffy or peat pots for this purpose
because they are very susceptible for moulds and they are also an
obstacle for the plant roots when transplanting in the garden or
greenhouse. Plant them as deep as possible, the germination leaves can
be put under the pot ground. This stimulates the formation of
additional roots. Temperature should be at least 15°C (59°F).
During propagation you need plenty of light (sometimes artificial
light is necessary), otherwise you will have leggy plants. Too small
pots or lack in fertilizers will give an early flowering, which
exhausts the plant.
After 6-8 weeks you can plant outside or in the greenhouse.

This does not count for all plants. Some vegetables, herbs or flowers
don't like root disturbance. In that case it is better to sow or plant
them directly in the garden or if not possible to plant, sow and grow
them in a container or large pot before transfering to the garden. A
good example is basil.


-- 
Andre Vanheddeghem
Belgium
andrev@unicall.be
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