Saving Leggy, Dried-Out Tomato Seedlings

Seedlings with dried leaves after 5 days unattended likely suffered from low humidity or fertilizer salt buildup. They may recover but will be set back 1–3 weeks. Better to restart now—mid-April is ideal for new sowings in the Northeast/Midwest.

Better Seed-Starting Practices

• Use sterile soilless mix (vermiculite/perlite/peat).
• Water from bottom; avoid wet foliage.
• Feed with half-strength fish/seaweed emulsion after 2nd true leaves.
• Keep lights 3" above tops, 14 hrs/day.
• No synthetic fertilizer until 2 weeks post-transplant outdoors.

Fresh starts catch up fast.