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Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I tried starting tomatoes for the first time this year, and I'm having problems. I bought Tomato Viva Italia Hybrid seeds from TotallyTomatoes.com The plants would get 2-3 pairs of leaves, and then start to wilt. I filled plastic potting containers which had drainage holes first with polymer crystals, then with a mixture of coconut coir and soil gard. The soil was maintained 80-85F temperature before germination and 70-75 after germination. I used my electronic meat thermometer from William Sonoma to check soil temperature. After germination, I put them about 3" under flourescent lights. I did just discover that the cheap magnetic ballast fixtures I was using do not give off nearly as much light as the electonic ballasts. I'm going to go to Lowes and get some T8 fixtures and brighter bulbs (I was using the sylvania "full spectrum bulbs") Once germinated, as well, I fed with Miracle-Gro and a couple of drops of SuperThrive.

Can anyone offer suggestions, other than HPS or MH bulbs, which aren't in my budget this year. I really felt I had all my bases covered, but I'm failing miserably.

Thanks!

Matt

2/27/2004 10:19:08 AM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

One other thing I added to the soil of all of the plants is some root boost endomycorrhizal fungi from Gardens Alive.

Another problem I am noticing with the tomatoes is some sort of gold colored cystalized stuff on the soil surface of some of the plants and on the peat containers for the few plants that are in peat containers. I'm kind of assuming it is due to too cool of temperatures or too much moisture or both, but any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

2/27/2004 10:24:10 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

How much Miracle Grow?

Sounds like they're damping off. Subdue, Banol, etc. But not worth fungicides now. Replant & keep the soil a little drier.

2/27/2004 10:24:28 AM

Indiana

I would just get some seed starting mix from Lowe's. Dont add anything, dont fertilize for a couple weeks, sounds like your trying to do too much. The lights should be ok I have 6to8 inch tall plants under a cheap shop light they haven't even been fertilized yet and they are about 4 weeks old. Plants want to grow and will, even in very poor conditions it sounds like you may be loving them to death.
Steve

2/27/2004 11:01:10 AM

Md/ Usa

as soon as ther sprout the cover must come off
also use realy hot water to dampen soil water 2 hour to let
cool then plant seeds on top soil.

2/27/2004 3:46:05 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

a small fan to provide circulation will make the strong and healthy too

2/27/2004 10:38:11 PM

Montoursville, PA

Tomato plants absolutely hate tobacco products including residual smoke found on the clothes and hands of those who smoke. Scrub down somewhat the same as a surgeon would for an operation in real life. Tomato failure is commonly due to tobacco mosaic.

This also is a common pumpkin problem. No smoker should be permitted in your patch or on the down wind side of the patch. Tobacco ashes should not go into compost.

3/8/2004 5:13:26 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

they don't need ANY feeding till after the first true set of leaves, your'e trying too hard, you must have a reason for the elaborate medium used, but the fact is, good ole soil or profesional potting mix is all you needed.Doc, your right on with the TMV, I smoke(regretably)I always scrub up completely before going near my garden or tools, no room for smokers in the garden, I raise quite a few tomato plants every year, all from seed, all heirloom varieties, which increases my chances of all virus's and pathogens.

3/8/2004 7:18:19 PM

mcminnville oregon

my plants have never complained about smoke, or the dead playing to loud??? maybe im not listening hard enough!!

3/8/2004 11:13:51 PM

Nj

I don't know I'd go so far as to say that plants hate tobacco products... but yes they can get the tobacco virus...

Well maybe you can go that far... I hate china because I can get SARS. :o

3/25/2004 10:12:40 AM