Marks On Seedlings Leaves

Question

Hi Everyone;

I started some seeds indoors back around the middle of January. Among them were San Marzano Tomatoes.

Everything was going fine, but the other day I noticed that the tomatoes seemed to be having a little issue. on one plant, the leaves have started to curl a little bit, and on the other, there are some small, shiny, brownish marks (I’ve attached photos).

They are planted in 3″ peat pots in organic potting soil. They receive 14 hours of light a day from a grow light that is just above their tops. As a matter of fact, they are going to be touching the bulb if I don’t transplant them this weekend. I try to keep the soil damp, but not too wet. I have not added any fertilizer yet, so they are living off the nutrients in the potting soil.

I should mention that last weekend, I brought in some clippings from a NM Big Jim Chili Pepper, and a Patio Tomato plant – both of which are out in our garden. I noticed yesterday that the Big Jim Peppers had aphids on it, so I threw out the pepper AND tomato cuttings (didn’t want to take any chances).

I checked all the seedlings, and there are no signs of aphids, so I don’t know what the marks on the San Marzano Tomato seedlings are. I know what it looks like, and I’m praying that it’s not blight.

Thank you for your help and advice and have a wonderful day.

– Janine

Answer 1

It looks a bit like light damage. Since they are almost touching the bulbs, this is even more likely. You will want to move the light up to avoid any more damage.

Here is an article that will help you to grow tomatoes to their potential: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-guide.htm