A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 tomato plants

can i plant in smaller pots, then transplant as they grow? not looking for huge crop, just hubby and i, plus few friends.

thanks
joyce

Yes, in fact that's what is recommended for tomatoes. I started my 7 early tomatoes in small individual pots about 1 1/2 by 2 inches then transplanted them into 4 inch nursery liners and finally into 8 inch nursery liners. When you transplant into bigger pots break off all but the top few leaves and bury the stem as deep as possible as new roots will form along the stem.

What are nursery liners? I've never heard that term before.

thanks obywan,lllllllllllol. love the name. now how do i know when they have outgrown each container? they are in 2 in pots right now and about 5 inches tall.

thanks
joyce

I would say they're probably big enough for their first transplanting now. Try moving up to 4 inch pots. Since they're so tall, instead of plant straight up in the pot, you may have to curve the stem around some in order to get the maximum amount of stem underground. This will greatly improve the root system later.

I start my toms in the little 6 packs, and plant directly in the garden, but it's almost time to plant out here. They take off like crazy as soon as the soil gets warm...more time under lights doesn't make a lot of difference, but it makes some.

Dave's right, if you're nearing your frost free date, you can just as easilly save a step by planting your tomatoes outside, burying them up to the top leaves. Just make sure you harden them off well first.