Too much water - transplants

I have started vegetables and a few perenials in my basement with floresent lights and a warming pad. I have prayed them with water and kept the tray below the pots filled with water. I thought I needed to wean the plants from the water a little so I didn't water for 2 days and they started to wilt. Some "passed away". How do I get them ready to go outside?

It sounds like you have actually given the seedlings too much water. Seedlings require moist but not wet soil. You may try moving them to a sunny location and emptying the tray under them. Bottom water or spray only if the soil starts to dry out. Good luck with your seedlings.

Here is a bit of info on seedlings and water.

http://www.hewitts.com/info/garden/seedstrt.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_9361_prevent-damping-seedlings.html

http://www.umext.maine.edu/piscataquis/gardening/2008/vol6iss2/startingseeds.htm

How big are they? They may need bigger pots. I don't know what zone Marion is in, but here in zone 5a the nights are still pretty chilly. Can you wean them to an unheated, enclosed porch or a protected area outside until they get acclimated to their new world? I haven't grown plants under lights for a long time. Hopefully somebody with more experience will find this thread.

Thank you very much themoonhowl and pastime. I will try your suggestions. It's still a little early to move them outside even for a short time but I will try to drain the tray and only water when they start to look dry. Would misting work without the water in the tray below?

I would be wary of the foliage/stems staying wet from misting developing fungus or damping off.

The best way to get indoor baby plants ready to go outside is to move them outside for just a few hours at a time when the weather is nice the first couple of times. Then to "harden them off" Move them to a sheltered area such as a porch if possible for a few days. Try to increse their exposure to sunlight slowly so it doesnt kill them before they get used to it. Also make sure not to overwater but if you see them dry and starting to wilt it is definatlely time to water. While starting plants to transplant its best to add a light fertilizer solution to the water or use organic additives sparingly when mixing the soil for planting or both. I have great success by adding organic fertilizers to the bottom of the transplanting hole when setting plants out. If you want more information on fertilizer additives for soil and plant water then check out my website at

http://sites.google.com/site/allabouteverything1234/

It has got great information on vegetable gardening, composting and nutrients and fertilizers you can add to soil and plant water to make your plants grow faster, healthier and bigger than ever before!

Thank you all so much

You are welcome. Good luck with your seedlings.