Why are the leaves on my tomato seedlings drooping?

Question

I live in southeast Massachusetts. I started hardening off my seedlings this week, going from 2 hours to 3 to 5, on a porch that gets dappled afternoon sun through the porch railing. The daytime temps have been in the low 60s. While the stems and branches are firm and robust, the leaves get droopy outside. I’ve also had a few leaf tips go dark green and curly. What am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

If you are leaving them out at night as well, the cool temps may be causing the problem. Tomatoes need 45+ degree temps at night. Also make sure they are receiving enough water. Seedlings in a small seedling pot will need watered more often when they are placed outside still in the pot. If when you stick your finger into the soil, and it’s wet at about an inch down, you DON’T need to water for another day or two. If it’s dry, – water the plant. As far as leaf curl, that CAN be normal for the variety you are growing.Some varieties get leaf curl and it doesn’t hurt the plant at all. It’s hard for me to tell without looking at the plant. Hopefully someone else on here will have more to offer than I do. Good luck, Gardener!