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Tomatoes #931389

Asked May 11, 2026, 6:10 PM EDT

I used organic seed starter with coir to start my tomatoes and peppers . They seemed to be time to transplant into bigger containers . I used the same seed starter mix and tomatoes started to droop . I generally use a better soil for plants . Is there something I can do to change the direction they are going?

Crow Wing County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.  Your poor tomato seedlings look very stressed but not yet dead.  I'm pretty sure you can get them to recover if you move quickly. 

Before suggesting remedial steps, I want to be sure that I understand the situation.

You initially planted tomato and pepper seeds in an organic seed starting mix containing coir.  The seeds germinated and grew a bit.  You then transplanted the seedlings to larger pots.  These larger pots also contained organic seed starting mix with coir.  The pictures you sent were of the transplanted plants.

Do I understand things correctly?  Many thanks.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2026, 6:49 PM EDT

I actually transplanted them with seed starter mix with the coir into a bigger container then  few days later realized what I did and replanted with potting mix. I also added organic liquid fertilizer.  I actually used the organic fertilizer full strength this morning and actually they look better this evening than this morning. We even bought new growing lights . The peppers didn’t change that much and are looking great . I’m feeling the tomatoes are getting better after this morning.pictures are from this evening . Thoughts ? Thanks for helping .

The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2026, 7:19 PM EDT

Thanks for getting back to me.  You put some missing pieces into the puzzle.  I will be back to you later this evening with my analysis and suggestions.

Thanks very much.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2026, 8:12 PM EDT

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