More Tomato Problems (Sorry!)

[Valleyman]

All,

Sorry for another one of these questions, but a bunch of my tomato seedlings have been struck down with a problem. Here is a photo.



Do people think it could be overwatering/waterlogging? Most of my plants don't have any problems, but the 15 or so in these small pots are all showing signs. And looking at the pots more closely they don't drain as well as others.

This is my first time getting this problem. What do people think? Keep em growing? Or ditch them and start again?

p.s They are on a north facing window, with no artificial light, so scorching isn't a problem. I only noticed this problem when i went to move them to a west facing window as the north facing window was obviously providing less than ideal light.

[veggiechicken]

What variety are they? Are they different to your other seedlings?

[Bigmallly]

From this list, my guess would be Magnesium deficiency. A spray of Epsom salts may help.
P.S......What variety is it as it doesn't look like a tomato to me.

Tomato leaf symptoms Diagnostic Key

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have a very similar tray to that one, came with the pots included. Had a similar problem last year until I realised that the tray has no drainage so if you water your pots in place they then stand in water 24/7. Maybe this could be your problem

[Valleyman]

What variety are they? Are they different to your other seedlings?

The photo is of a sunbaby. But there are gardeners delight and chicco rosso in the same tray, which also show signs of the same problem, but to a lesser extent. All other tom varieties are in different pots, and look fine. I suspect water logging but wanted to confirm.

From this list, my guess would be Magnesium deficiency. A spray of Epsom salts may help.
P.S......What variety is it as it doesn't look like a tomato to me.

Tomato leaf symptoms Diagnostic Key

That ones a sunbaby. Deffo a tomato. The angle doesn't do it any favours!

I have a very similar tray to that one, came with the pots included. Had a similar problem last year until I realised that the tray has no drainage so if you water your pots in place they then stand in water 24/7. Maybe this could be your problem

I suspect it is my problem. It's perversely nice to hear that someone else suffered the same as well! Did you start again or manage to save them. Just wondering if i should go to the effort of re-potting if they are going to die anyway.

[Lisasbolt]

Re-pot, tomatoes can rebound very quickly.
Doesn't hurt to do a few spare seeds as well, you can always give them away

[Kleftiwallah]

It's not some teeny teeny tiny beastie eating away the leaves from within is it? As is normally shown by Mr Attenborough.

Cheers, Tony.

[Potstubsdustbins]

As said above I would give re-potting a go. If that looks like failing cut the roots of and put them through the milk bottle, they will then grow new roots.

As to my failure last year I lost a tray full of red onions, you may rest assured the black tray now has holes in every pot holder.

[marchogaeth]

I have a very similar tray to that one, came with the pots included. Had a similar problem last year until I realised that the tray has no drainage so if you water your pots in place they then stand in water 24/7. Maybe this could be your problem

My tray was ok but some of the pots didn't have their holes punched in properly - same effect.

[Valleyman]

Well I've re-potted them all... the level of water-logging at the bottom of the pots was AWFUL. Whilst the pots had small holes in the bottom, it looks like the tray they were in actually blocked the holes somewhat and made the problem significantly worse.

Ah well. NOT the best £2 I ever spent in ASDA.

[Kristen]

Ah ... yes, those type of Pot Holders (which I think are called Shuttle Trays) do have that effect - might be deliberate for stores that sell plants so that the plants get enough water from the haphazard way that they get watered.

I use Pot Carrier Trays that are just a lattice - so that the pots "hang free" and actually stand on the bench.