If seedlings form unnaturally long shoots within a short period of time, they are anxiously searching for light. This unhe althy growth spurt is called horning. Find out how it is triggered and what to do here.
What to do against rotting of tomato plants?
To prevent tomato plants from rotting, after germination they should be moved to a cooler place (16-18 degrees Celsius) with sufficient light and possibly supported with growth lamps or mirrors. If seedlings are already rotten, planting them deep and tying them to tomato sticks can help them survive.
How to effectively prevent gelatinization
The heat-loving and light-hungry tomatoes can only be planted outdoors and in an unheated greenhouse from mid-May. That's why hobby gardeners prefer them in bright, warm rooms. After sowing in early/mid-March, the seeds germinate within 10 to 14 days. If the temperatures and lighting conditions are not right, the seedlings will rot. How to prevent unnatural length growth:
- After germination, move the seed tray to a cooler place at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius
- any cover will now be removed
- the higher the temperatures, the brighter the location should be
- when the second pair of leaves appears, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots
In the local regions, normal daylight is barely enough to provide tomatoes with enough brightness for photosynthesis. Experienced tomato gardeners therefore use special growth lamps (€79.00 on Amazon) to prevent rotting. These are light sources that irradiate plants with exactly the right spectrum of light waves.
Saving rotten seedlings
If the tomato plants stretch fearfully towards the light, sooner or later they will tip over. As long as the horny drive doesn't break through, there is still hope for rescue. Place the plant deep enough in the soil to stabilize the bend. Fresh adventitious roots are now sprouting from the underground parts of the stem. In addition, the above-ground shoot is tied to a tomato stick.
Tips & Tricks
Large mirrors have proven to be a clever alternative to expensive plant lamps. If tomato seedlings find space on the warm south-facing window of the house, place a mirror behind the planting bowls. The reflective daylight is usually enough for the plants to carry out their vital photosynthesis without curing.
