Is it possible the weak plants have too much water - the MG Moisture Control potting mix really holds a lot of water and you could over do it. The MG products also contain fertilizer, so adding more could also over do it.

I have started my seedlings in MG Moisture Control for years because it wets and wicks so quickly, and have had no problems. Last year I started cutting the MG MC 50/50 with MG Starting Mix because the MG MC is a bit coarse and dense, even though I sift it. Right now my tomato plants are 8-10" and beautiful after just 4 weeks from seeding. Likewise my pepper plants are gorgeous and 5-6" tall after just 5 weeks. I have not fed them at all and water sparingly only when nearly dry.

I am hardening them off now and will plant outside next week.

TomNJ

Last attempt to post photos here. If this doesn't work, I'll stomp my camera and computer, and sell my tomato cages.

Here is a link that might be useful: Potting mix

It could also have something to do with nutrient content. I do not trust potting mixes, each one acts differently. I have one that says it contains starter fertilizer, Plants don't act as if it does, so I end up fertilizing them to get good growth. ProMix starts plants off well, but after a while they start to turn funny colors (nitrogen problems?) so those seedlings need to be fertilized too eventually.

The miracle grow moisture dirt and the miracle grow garden soil are two items that I add to my yard dirt before potting up and my plants do fine. I found that overwatering makes a big deal!
{{gwi:1325095}}

That is very strange. I also use the MG potting mix and have big, sturdy plants. Here are my tomato and peppers seedlings from this year (if anything, the toms are a bit leggy because I don't have as many shop lights over them as I'd like). Not saying it can't be the soil, but perhaps you were unlucky and got a bad batch, since it's normally fine for seedlings (I actually start the seeds in Jiffy seed starting mix then pot them up in MG).

I've had lousy results with MG Potting Mix in both regular containers and SWCs.

MG products are bagged at different facilities depending upon the region, and I think that quality varies significantly depending upon the processing plant and also possibly from year to year. You can see where it was manufactured on the bag. Mine was from Ohio. I think the same can be said for lots of bagged garden products, not just MG.

I've had much better results so far this year with Dr. Earth Potting Mix amended with extra pearlite.

May 6, I pulled my sick seedlings out of the Miracle Grow, cleaned them as good as I could without washing them, and re-potted into Fertilome.

Now, after eight days, they have turned green, sprouted many new leaves, and started growing.

Looks like they will be fine for planting by the time my garden dries out enough to work in. I also have stocked up on Fertilome so there is no chance I will be forced to use Miracle Grow next year.

Here is a link that might be useful: 8 days after Miracle Grow

I have used MG potting mix for years in SWC, pots, and as a starting mix with good results.
Until this last bag. It is nothing like the old. Bad results as a starter..water was never right.
My Conclusion is that every bag could be different.
KennyP

organicislandfarmer,

What tomato have you pictured above?? That is one beautiful plant and the toms are looking pretty good also!

DL