How to Fix Leggy Tomato Seedlings

Transplant leggy tomato seedlings into deeper holes.

Tomato seedlings started indoors can easily become leggy because of lack of sunlight. Tomato seedlings require 8 to 10 hours of sunlight in order to grow thick, sturdy stems. Any amount less will result in tomato seedlings that are tall, thin and wiry. Leggy tomato seedlings can be salvaged easily by transplanting them into a deeper container and increasing their light exposure. Remember to handle the seedlings carefully so as not to damage the weakened stems.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch pots
• Potting soil
• Trowel
• Watering can or garden hose

Instructions

1. Fill 6-inch plastic pots 1/3 full of potting soil if it is too early to transplant the tomato seedlings outside. Dig holes twice the size of the root ball with a trowel in your garden soil if transplanting them to an outside garden. Choose a garden site that will receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.

2. Remove the tomato seedling from its current pot or tray carefully to avoid damaging the stem or roots. Remove any leaves from bottom 2/3 of the stem. Place the tomato seedling upright in the pot or hole so the top 1/3 of the plant (2 to 3 inches of stem and 1 set of leaves) is above soil level. The portion of the stem planted underground will develop roots to create a larger, healthier root system.

3. Scoop loose soil around the tomato plant to fill in the pot or the ground hole. Tamp the soil down firmly enough to secure the plant but gently enough to avoid crushing the stem. Leave a 1-inch gap between the soil level and the top of the pot (if transplanting into pots) to act as a reservoir for water. Repeat this process with each seedling, planting 1 seedling per pot or hole.

4. Use a watering can or garden hose to water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly. Water potted tomato seedlings 2 to 3 times until water is running from the drainage holes in the bottom. Place potted tomato plants in an area that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. Water the tomato plants once the top 1 to 2 inches of soil becomes dry.

References

• Demesne: Leggy Tomato Seedlings
• Selected Plants: Growing Tomato Seedlings
• University of Minnesota: Leggy Tomatoes