After potting up you usually have a slow period while the plants establish it's roots before taking off. That and the temps you have can slow down overall development. I know how you feel, it's frustrating.

yep...jbann hits it right on again. =) They will look like they're doing nothing for anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks (depending upon plant size, type, etc.). As long as they stay healthy looking, you're fine. They are re-rooting in their new homes. It's a frustrating period, somewhat, but once they start taking off again, you'll be better.

Do you think it would be of any benefit to move them out to the sun room during the day and back under the grow lights at night?

Hello again. Tomatoes are a bit strange in that they grow during the night and take in light energy during the day. Giving them 16 hours of light and 8 of darkness seems to be the best situation. You may need a little more heat if you want quicker growth, but, they can become a bit leggy that way. That's up to you, of course. I keep mine around 70-75 degrees and they plug along. Don't worry, we still have time.

I find that to be true, also, until the heat sets in. Good hot sunshiny days in at least the 70s spur growth like nothing else. That is why tomato plants really take off in June (around here).

Sun also makes a big difference. I planted my tomatoes and it was bright and sunny for a week and a half. They got established and started growing quickly. Then a week or so of cool cloudy weather pretty much stopped them in their tracks. Late yesterday and today was the first bright sunny warm days since and I could see visible, noticeable growth from the previous day.

A related question. I recently planted 3 seedlings outside. Unfortunately, we had mostly rain but now the sun is shining. Anyway, I planted them in a newly built raised bed filled with compost. The plants haven't grown at all and are looking a little faded. I'm not worried about the growth (thanks to this thread) but I am concerned about the fading. One leaf is even showing a little browning.

Any advice or reassurance will be appreciated!

browning....hrm...what's in the compost mix? Are they in a lot of direct sunlight?

I'm not sure of the compost mix because it's from our town compost facility. Based on what I see people dropping off, it's mostly leaves and grass. I'm not sure if the town mixes anything else in it. I used it 2 seasons ago in a bed for roses, and they've flourished.

It's been rainy and overcast since I planted the tomatoes last weekend but today they've gotten lots of direct sun.

Maybe they just need a lil food.

Things looking worse still. I have given them some food and watered them.

Check the link here for a picture.

Here is a link that might be useful: Picture of sad tomato plant

alight - all I see in the photo is an anemic plant - likely due to the weather you described (which will correct itself) - and some sunburn and wind damage on the front leaf. The damaged leaf will likely fall off but you should also see some new growth shortly if the weather cooperates.

Once the weather improves it should do fine and green up accordingly assuming proper planting time. You don't list your zone or indicate your location so I can't comment on that part. What is your soil temp? If planted in too cold soil nutrients aren't taken up by the plant.

Dave

Thanks for the reply digdirt. I'm near Boston (zone 6).

We've had mild temps up here for several weeks but I imagine the soil is still not too warm as you suggested.

I also suspect I didn't harden them off enough - this is my first time with growing tomatoes from seed. I gave them no more than a week with time outside (in the shade) - maybe that wasn't enough time nor enough gentle exposure to the sun. I have 3 more seedlings in the queue so I'll be sure to give them a better acclimatization.

I am on MV Island, and the soil temp here is now 60 degrees. I planted all my tomatoes in the garden 2 days ago. The nights get down to mid-40'sto mid 50's still, but my tom plants have been living in the garage for 2 weeks, with the doors wide open, so they are ready for the big world. Gave them all a little transplant drink, put cardboard collars around the bases of each tomato plant. It's been 2 days, and they all look very happy (knock on wood)....oh, and I planted quite a few Marigolds near the tomato plants, hopefully that will deter some bugs.

I agree with digdirt's analysis. The food will probably help. It's your choice, but if it were me, I might remove that front leaf.

Thanks again for all replies. The plants are looking better already. There are already newer, healthy-looking leaves appearing.

Mine are growing too fast maybe. Its been 3 weeks from seed planting and my plants are already 5" tall.