How to Properly Prepare Tomato Seedlings to Prevent Them from Stretching Out: Useful Tips

Growing tomatoes through seedlings is an effective method of obtaining a harvest of strong and healthy plants.

However, many gardeners face the problem of seedlings stretching.

Why do tomato seedlings stretch out?

Tomato seedlings can stretch due to a lack of light, heat or nutrients. If the seedlings do not receive enough light, they begin to stretch upward, striving for the light, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

At very low air temperatures, the growth process of seedlings slows down significantly, in some cases they even begin to elongate excessively.

A similar effect can be caused by a lack of nutrients in the soil.

How to Properly Prepare Tomato Seedlings

To prevent tomato seedlings from stretching, it is necessary to provide them with enough light, warmth and nutrients. Here are some useful tips:

• Sow tomato seeds in trays or pots with well-drained soil.
• Provide your seedlings with enough light. If you are growing seedlings indoors, use fluorescent lights to provide additional light.
• Maintain optimum air temperature. During the day the temperature should be around 20-25°C, and at night not lower than 15°C.
• Water the seedlings moderately, avoiding over-watering or over-drying of the soil.
• Feed the seedlings with complex fertilizer for tomatoes.
• Pinch the tops of the seedlings when they reach a height of 20-25 cm. This stimulates the growth of lateral shoots and increases the yield.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes from seedlings is a great way to get a harvest of healthy and strong plants.

To prevent seedlings from stretching, you need to provide them with enough light, warmth and nutrients. Follow these tips, and your tomato seedlings will grow healthy and strong.

Earlier we reported on growing sweet watermelons in the country .