Yellow Tomato and Pepper Seedlings

Question

My tomato and pepper seedlings have yellow leaves and stunted growth. The leaves first turned yellow in the center and now spread to lower leaves. I thought I was over watering, but have let them dry out and they are getting worse. I also tried liquid fertilizer, no help. This is the first time I’ve ever had a problem with seedlings. I fear that I am losing the plants. I used “Seed Starting Jiffy Mix” potting mix for the first time. Could this be the problem? The plants are over a month old and only about 3-4 inches tall. Please help.

Answer 1

They need fertilizer. Seed starting soil has no fertilizer, to avoid burning new roots, but once they get to be a few weeks old, they need nutrients and will yellow and die without them. That being said, when you do feed them, use a 1/2 strength water soluble fertilizer on them.