Probably too much sun too soon. Maybe they were not hardened enough to withstand so much hot sun so soon after they were set out. In addition a shallow container might not be the way to go. The soil will have a tendancy to dry out too easily. Can you put them in a deeper container?

If they are standing up I wouldn't worry too much about the plants not making it. Try to shade them a bit in the hottest part of the day and if you can't put them in a larger container water often. Maybe clothespin a piece of cloth to the cage for shade.

Thanks so much for the info! I have moved them to a dappled shade area to see if they perk up. I will get a deeper container for them as soon as I can. *fingers crossed* I hope they do OK.

How did you apply the fertilizer? Was it a liquid mixture or dry?

And were thet droopy during the hot afternoon sun or in the cooler evening?

Keriann~

My guess would be the wind. this happened to a few of my tomato seedlings when I put them outside. The wind was whipping the poor leaves so much, it dried them right out.

Thank you all for your info.

The fertilizer was a liquid diluted to 50%. I noticed the droopiness in the late afternoon/early evening the day after the heat & crazy winds.

They are still looking OK (standing up at least, and not getting worse from what I can tell).... but I assume the crispified leaves will not get any better.

I'll just baby them and hope for the best!