What to do with seedlings as they get bigger ?

[nickdub]

Having trays of new plants which you have started from seed is a proud moment in your gardening year. As time goes by, hopefully, they grow on and start to look a bit big for their "boots".

In an ideal world you have a warm and welcoming spot for them in which they can be planted out and grow on in their new home. As things are for me I have about 6" of snow currently and a predicted average temp of about -1.

So in this less than ideal case you have to decide if you can pot your little plants on into larger receptacles - things like tomatoes can't be left, as stunted roots will mean a very poor plant for the rest of its life. Even this work around causes another issue though. I have been carrying my seedlings in to the conservatory each day for light and bringing them back in during the night, for warmth. This is do-able with a few trays quite easily, but if I pot each of them on in to 4 or 5" pots, it will be much more of a job moving them.

I have a choice really between potting on a few and trying to give the rest away - the sensible option - or trying to give some extra feed in liquid form to the plants where they are now in the hopes the weather will turn soon and I can then go with larger pots without the moving process - probably what I will do.

So if you are in the same boat, don't do nothing. If you go down the extra feed route don't over-do it, make a low-strength liquid feed with Miracle grow or similar and use that to keep your little plants going for the moment. Then pot them on in to larger containers asap.

[Thelma Sanders]

I end up doing endless rounds of seedling Hokey Cokey Cokey between now and the first few weeks of May, carrying trays of modules and small pots between house and greenhouse - and this is just for plants for myself.
The dining room table is extended and covered with trays every night by the time May arrives and there are fewer frosts. It's the usual Spring ritual here
Anything that looks as if it needs a feed will get half-strength feed, but that's just normal practice

[Jungle Jane]

Can they stay in the conservatory once you pot them on? Maybe with a protective plastic cover?

[AmateurOne]

I’m in the same boat. Planted far too many. Given away most of my excess which is quite fulfilling however I’m still left with multiple chillis and tomatoes which have nearly all been planted on but starting to look leggy. I’ve not started the daily moving to the conservatory yet but will later this week when hopefully it starts to warm up. Main concern is that the additional sun will promote even more growth to contend with in limited space! Roll on post frost spring

[lottie dolly]

Lots of us are in the same boat,as JJ says,this really cold snap is only temporary,your doing fine.

It's no good having a panic,plants are suprizing,and you can still plant more toms,i have not done mine yet,they will all catch up.

[nickdub]

Can they stay in the conservatory once you pot them on? Maybe with a protective plastic cover?

That's the plan - I also have a couple of poly-tunnels - but as with everything horticultural it all depend on the weather Gods - I'm thinking I may need to make a votive offering to them this year as they seem unusually angry.

[nickdub]

My original post was more for the benefit of inexperienced gardeners, than the knowledgeable crowd - but thanks for the support :-) ( I blame VC principally for this early sowing thingy, but when I look at the tomato seedlings, I'm still pleased)

[It never rains..it pours]

My original post was more for the benefit of inexperienced gardeners, than the knowledgeable crowd - but thanks for the support :-) ( I blame VC principally for this early sowing thingy, but when I look at the tomato seedlings, I'm still pleased)

I was wondering whose fault this was !! Also you experts didnt advise me that near 100% germination is likely along with the fact throwing good Tomato plants out is hard to do
But seriously its been good to have extras as can see the upside of cfl lights vs windowsill (big difference) selecting the most vigerous (big difference), potting on (big difference), potting mixes (jury still out)

[Baldy]

I think if I had a medium size win on the lottery - I dunno 500,000K - I'd probably not move house but get a bigger GH - have it positioned in a better spot than the one I inherited is in and then heat it from Feb and do my seedlings there

I *might* treat Mrs Balders and the little uns to a holiday as well...

[chris_m]

I *might* treat Mrs Balders and the little uns to a holiday as well...

Doing that would give you peace and quiet whilst you're doing all your sowing, potting on, nurturing, etc

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

It's no good having a panic, plants are surprising, and you can still plant more toms, I have not done mine yet, they will all catch up.

Me neither LD, but tomorrow this will all change!

I think if I had a medium size win on the lottery - or in my case a little inheritance!

I *might* treat Mrs Deano and the Big and now a few little uns to a holiday as well...

Doing that would give you peace and quiet whilst you're doing all your sowing, potting on, nurturing, etc

You may well laugh!

I have done this for the last 4yrs and believe me! it works for everybody!

[Zelenina]

I haven't sown any of mine yet. It would be easy enough to put them in a warm place to germinate, but it's been far too cold here for growing them on. I was tempted when we got a thaw and a few milder spring-like days, then it turned wintry again, so I'm glad I didn't. But soon...... it must get warmer soon......