Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 3/22/2008

Question
Hi - the last couple of years, all the tomato plants I start indoor have died in infancy.  They  pop through the soil, and then grow very long stems, and then fall over.
 
This year, I planted them in shallow soil and covered the container.  When they broke through, I removed the cover.  They sit 18 inches from a window which is on our west side, and they get daylight for about 12 hours (sunlight for 5-6).  The room temperature is 68-70.

Several years ago I grew tomatoes from seed every year.  Had a brain injury a couple of years  ago, so I can't remember if I did it any different then or not - but they always lived then.  
 
Any idea what I'm doing wrong?  

Answer
Dear Kevin,
Not sure if this could be part of the problem, but I do know if there is too much fertilizer or plant food, too early, the stems will get very leggy and not develop leaves.  The seeds need to just be in plain potting soil or top soil to start.  When there aren't enough leaves for photosynthesis, the plant will die.  It sounds like the temp and lighting is adequate.  Sounds like a soil or water issue to me.
 I'm sorry about your injury.  

Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us