How can I get sturdy stalks on my tomato plant seedlings?

Question

I have started my tomato plants indoors in my kitchen. I do not have any growing lights as I only do container gardening and it would be too costly. How can I promote sturdier stalks in these circumstances?

Douglas Hunt · Answer

Strong light is imperative for tomato seedlings. You don' have to use grow lights but you need to somehow get light right above the plants. Without it they are inevitably going to be spindly. The other thing you can do is put a fan on low on the plants, not right on them but spaced far enough away so the stems move a little bit. This will help the trunks grow stronger.

Theresa Shaut · Answer

I agree with Doug on the fan, but even if they are tall and spindly when you put them outdoors you lay them down in a small trench and gently curve the top part, apply a small stick for support and wrap them in a tiny sleeve of newspaper for cutworms. Remove the stick when it can be supported to something larger. I use wire fencing, can put tomatoes on either side, easily accessible and better than wire cages.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to try them.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thank you for your suggestions.

Jill Nelson · Answer

Plant them deep. When planting the seedlings, put a good inch or more of the stalk below the soil surface. This helps get a strong root system established, and provides a much sturdier plant.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thank you for your suggestion.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Shawna Sommers · Answer

I agree with the fan idea, but you can also run your hands over them a few time a day. And plant them deep, as someone else suggested.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thanks so much.

Julie Gould · Answer

grow lights come in individual bulbs. I have one in an old desk style lamp just for seedlings.

Ret334262 · Answer

I did not know this. Will certainly look one up. Thank you.

Sheila Conlon · Answer

I always start tomato seeds in egg-shells, at the bottom then fill with garden compost/soil and usually in a bright area by a window not necessarily in the window. Seems to work good to establish.

Ret334262 · Answer

Thanks

Pat Croley · Answer

I planted some sunflower seeds and the seedlings came up with such long stalks that they bent over. I am trying to get them to stand up in the soil so that they will grow tall. What should I do to help them

How can I get sturdy stalks on my tomato plant seedlings?

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How can I get sturdy stalks on my tomato plant seedlings?

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