TC Reader Question: Should I not use potting mixes with fertilizer when starting tomato seeds?

By Michelle Fabio

One of our readers recently received seeds from Totally Tomatoes and with them came a note: “We don’t recommend using potting mixes with fertilizer for starting seeds.”

The reader is wondering why Totally Tomatoes make this recommendation.

The truth is that seedlings really don’t need fertilizer until they develop their first set of leaves, and indeed, starting with high amounts of fertilizer can actually cause more harm than good to your tomato plants.

Inorganic fertilizers, in particular, have been known to “burn” seedlings as their nutrients can be released too quickly, inhibiting germination.

Also, if you have leggy tomato plants, Read the rest of this entry »