I have planted some tomato plants from seed and am worry about the roots.?

When I seperated the tomato plants (about 6" tall each) I noticed they did not have much of a root, is that normal? I seperated them and one of plants is dangaling, is that normal? Any advice? I put soil until the first layer of leaves on each plant, now the plants are 2"-3" tall. Should I do anything else? Thanks

I have planted some tomato plants from seed and am worry about the roots.?
I grow tomatoes from seed also. You can transplant them when they have their first true leaves. They will not have a lot of roots at this stage. Be careful with the ones they do have. When you are ready to plant them out, you can pinch off several sets of leaves (keep at least the top three leaves) and put as much stem as possible down in the hole - try for about a foot deep - depending on how big the plant is. They will root all along the buried stem. Then they will need to be staked and tied up regularly. Install the stake when you plant them if possible , so as not to cause damage poking that in there later. They need a lot of light and a fair amount of water, but do not over-water when they are seedlings. It is very beneficial to water them with nettle brew. Just put some nettles leaves in some water for a few days and let sit. It will stink, but it is good for plants - helps prevent damping off and acts as a fertilizer.
Reply:yes, plant them in your garden.


don't worry about the roots. when transplanting, slightly break loose the root ball if needed








are your plants 6" tall or 2-3" tall?








anyway plant them up to their first set of leaves.


the extra stem that you planted will create more roots





best of luck
Reply:I always use peat pots for germinating tomatoes. This avoids root stress altogether.


My plants are already five feet tall, with lots of fruit.


Y'all wonder why we live in New Orleans.
Reply:I start all my tomatos from seeds, in the future I would plant them in indivual plugs. You should go back and make sure the soil actually covers the lowest leaves, this helps the plant set better roots. Good luck! there really is nothing like home grown tomatos.
Reply:Sounds like they were in a conatainer that was to small.





good job on transplanting! the extra stem you planted will begin growing strong new roots to help support the new growth and all these tomatoes you will be picking before long.





after they have been in the ground a couple of weeks you can begin giving them a little fertilizer. keep a watch out for white flies or other insect problems.





the only thing i would do (that you didn't) is to go ahead and put a nice tall stake in the ground along side the tomatoes...or tomato cages over them.





hope this helps.
Reply:Alex, that's fine/normal . In the future, transplant the seedlings when they are ~ 2"-2 1/2" high , having 2 or 4 true leaves . The shock will be less. Tomato seedlings are almost unkillable , so don't worry.
Reply:I assume that you started the plants indoors. I don't understand about separating the plants,were they not in separate cells in the starting containers? They should be removed from the the starting container with soil on them then transplanted into the garden.


Also they should be hardened off before for a couple of weeks before going into the garden. Planting tomato seedlings deep is a good thing, break the two bottom leaves off and bury the stem down to the next leaves.This will give the plant a good root system. Do a search on starting tomatoes,you will find many great sites.
Reply:Hello,





Just a suggestion, what type of pot are they planted in?


Second, they need some real sunlight, on warm days


set out side for a few hours, a small root is normal when they


are very young.





An egg shell crushed in the soil works great and a litltle miracle grow will not hurt if you follow directions on the container. Try to make sure the roots are getting enough air.


and are able to drain excess water out.





If your plant is dangaling have you used a small stick or something to give it support? And string lightly around it.