Tomatoes and Courgettes

[tessa]

Please help as I have totally forgotten what I did last year - it was my first year with raised beds (and a mini-greenhouse). I have quite a few tomato plants starting to grow in 2 1/2" modular seed trays. They are beginning to show the second true set of leaves. Should I repot them into some 5" pots I have bought or can I wait until they are a bit taller and put them straight into a big 9/10" pot?

One other question - my courgette seedlings are in the same size modular trays and are looking quite big and healthy now. We live in the S of England (although it's got a bit chilly now!) - when should I plant them out into the raised borders? Do I need to repot them before planting out?

Many thanks for your help. Think I shall be spending lots of time on here!

[vegetable-gardener]

Hi Tessa.
The tomatoes i would repot in bigger pots your plants will become stronger and healthier if you do that.

We are in Cornwall and I have planted my courgettes out. Not today though as its Friday the 13th!!!
I do put some cover around them - some have a bucket that the bottom has been cut out of. This keeps the chill off them. Today its sunny and have taken it away but if it gets windy or cooler then I pop it around them. Works really well.

[vegetable-gardener]

Hi Tessa.
The tomatoes i would repot in bigger pots your plants will become stronger and healthier if you do that.

We are in Cornwall and I have planted my courgettes out. Not today though as its Friday the 13th!!!
I do put some cover around them - some have a bucket that the bottom has been cut out of. This keeps the chill off them. Today its sunny and have taken it away but if it gets windy or cooler then I pop it around them. Works really well.

[tessa]

Thanks for that - very helpful. Need to get out in the garden then......

[GMB27]

Vegetable Gardener is quite right, get them into some bigger pots asap, you'll notice a really big growth spurt in the following few weeks after you do!