Subj : Re: tomato plants
To   : The Godfather
From : Darkman Almighty
Date : Thu Mar 30 2023 21:05:02

 TG> Ok, gotcha.  I'm growing my starts in a similar way, just with a 4 shelf
 TG> bakers type rack with a plastic cover Amazon calls a "Greenhouse"
 TG> (although I'm not sure it works as well as a real one but it gets the
 TG> job done :)  A few things:

Wow, a bakers type rack. Huh. I suppose I could have gone bigger in my setup but its only one tray.
 TG> 1.  Yes the dome retains the moister as it evaporates and rains back
 TG> down on top of itself.  So there is not a need to water daily, but still
 TG> a need to keep an eye on the soil. The plants soil should be moist but
 TG> not wet nor soggy.

Ok. check. yeah that makes sense. I have taken the lid off at night when the grow light on top is not in use. I haven't watered in a couple days, soil is moist but not soggy.

 TG> 2.  Excess condensation will leave the plant leaves wet which can cause
 TG> fungus .. most notable would be spider web like mold on any peat moss
 TG> type containers and or mushrooms / toad stools within the soil, however
 TG> also whitening of leaves.  Within my "green house" I put a small fan, to
 TG> provide air circulation to compensate for the grow light and heat mat's
 TG> I use.

I have noticed that the soil is green in some areas so while I may not have over watered it, the condensation maybe the blame. The whitening of leaves appears to be less since changing my approach. I thinking that could be the issue. I'll try a fan and see what that does.
 TG> In your case try watering less frequently if the soil is wet, while also
 TG> seeing if maybe the dome came with any tips on adding air circulation or
 TG> weeks until removing it completely.

Right. There are two vents on top for air on the dome.
 TG> I turn mine on and off based on what the sun does outdoors and have
 TG> found this to be not only a good reminder for my family and I, but also
 TG> good for the plants.  Leaving a light on all night by accident has
 TG> caused me few issues -- never turning it on has ruined entire trays
 TG> before :)

Since I have the setup in the basement, i left one light on with tungsten bulb to help warm the container.. maybe thats a mistake. The basement is about 68-70F so it should be ok. Ouch. Sounds like a balance of 'sun' is needed. 
 TG> Oh wow that must be a huge dome.  Maybe email me a picture of it, now I'm
 TG> curious :)  Yeah if they are that big and won't be going outdoors until
 TG> mid May, I'd be finding a way to get them acclimated to air, and airflow
 TG> between the leaves to keep the plant more dry.  This will help reduce
 TG> the chance of any type of fungus / leaf / plant disease as a result of
 TG> excess moisture on the plant.
Idk about huge.. its a standard size but the plants are touching the inside. Ok. I'll send you a pic. The other issue to consider is the soil depth is about 1" so I will have to transplant from tray to pot now.
Since most of the plants are for my parents, they will get the plants to care for soon :) 
 TG>  DA> Thanks for the input here.
 TG> 
 TG> Hopefully it's helpful.  I love starting my plants from seed, and while
 TG> it can be higher maintenance, I like knowing that from seed to table no
 TG> pesticides nor artificial fertilizers / GMO's were used to grow my food.
 TG> So hang in there, it'll be worth it!

It is. Thanks, due to your take on things I had changed some things. 
I did have fun starting from seed and yes you are right, no artifical, all natural seeds here. 

/)arkman /\lmighty

.... Sorry... My mind has a few bad sectors.

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