Container Tomato Plants

Floppy Tomato Plants

Sofie Penn-Slater added on April 23, 2017 | Answered

Hello, I have grown tomato plants from seed for the first time ever, but completely forgot about hardening them off. They look good and healthy, are about 8 inches tall with nice leaves. I've potted them up recently so they each have their own pot. Popped them outside today (there's a gentle breeze) but they all started to flop over immediately so I rushed them back inside! What's the best way to strengthen them without destroying them?

Share this Question:
Log in or sign up to help answer this question.
Check here if you would like to receive notifications every time this question is answered.
You are subscribed to receive notifications whenever this question is answered.
ANSWERS
Liz Baessler
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on April 25, 2017

Hardening off is all about making the plants tougher, so they'll have to stand up to a gentle breeze eventually whether they like it or not. And as long as they don't snap, a little big of wind might be good for them.

To get them started, though, try to keep them out of direct sunlight and wind (even breeze) when you put them outside. And put them outside for a little longer every day. If they lasted for 5 minutes today, try for an hour tomorrow. The next day try for two. If the weather is too windy or cold, skip a day. Better safe than sorry.

This article will tell you all about hardening off seedlings: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/how-to-harden-off-your-seedlings.htm

Was this answer useful?
00
Looking for more?
Here are more questions about Container Tomato Plants

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Answer Question