Can I transplant earlier than 6-8 weeks for tomatoes?

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lssfishhunter Jonesville, SC(Zone 7b) Apr 28, 2009

I have seeded tomatoes for the past few years. I have been very successful; however, when I transplant them, they are way too large. From what I've read, I need to seed my tomatoes 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Even at six weeks, they are way too large. I don't add fertilizer but I grow mine in Miracle Grow potting soil and I use grow lights. Could I transplant them at 4-5 weeks without changing my starter soil? Thanks for your response.

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Apr 28, 2009

As long as the weather is warm enough, and your seedlings are strong and healthy, you can transplant them. Tomatoes like a night time temperature above 40F - lower than that can stunt their growth, or even kill them.

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) Apr 28, 2009

If your weather and soil are ready, go ahead.

I usually plant out two batches in case something goes wrong with the first, but it usually does just fine.

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) Apr 28, 2009

I have transplanted mine as soon as 4 weeks. If the weather turns cool, I cover the cage with plastic for protection. I usually keep a few extras in case something happens to the first transplants. If your soil is warm and the weather cooperates, go for it!! I personally believe it to be less stressful on the plants to put them out a little early than to wait until they are really big. Kelly

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feldon30 Houston, TX(Zone 9a) Apr 28, 2009

Miracle Gro potting soil has a lot of food in it. That might be why they are growing fast.

I plant my plants when they are 9-14 inches tall. I don't really care about how many weeks it took, just how big the plants are. :)

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Dorkasaurus Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 29, 2009

Doesn't really matter how tall or big they are, just strip all but the top few leaves and either bury them deep or dig a trench and lay the stripped stem in it and cover it with dirt, leaving only the top of the plant visible. Tomatoes are bordering on weeds and will grow about 80,000,000 roots along whatever stem you bury.

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