Eh, just let them be. They're not going to turn around overnight. The worst thing you can do is to overdo trying to "fix" them. You just planted the things; they need time to reestablish roots, and that cold weather didn't help any.

They look fine! They're just small, and they won't grow much until things warm up. You might want to pull back the mulch some so the soil can be warmed by the sun. Then return it to the way it is now. You'll see growth sooner or later.

I agree with Karen -- don't fertilize them anymore. Your soil sounds perfect and your mulch is great, but it's probably keeping the soil from warming up as quickly as it would in the sun.

Just watch for insect damage since the plants are small. That would bother me more than the slow growth right now.

Another vote for "please don't kill them with kindness". No more feeding - just wait. They know what to do and when to do it if we just let them. ;)

Dave

Thanks so much for the responses. I will stop fussing over them, and move the mulch to the side.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Lagunites Gardening Experience

Those little spots on the last picture are noting to worry about? That's a relief.

In the lower picture, what are the spots on the leaves?

I feel your pain - i'm also in your general area (Fairfax County), and the 90+ heat followed by constant rain really did a number on my seedlings....A couple died, but the rest are still holding on, even if they look pretty sickly.

Bought some transplants to replace the ones that looked hopeless and started some new seedlings inside as a last resort too :)

I think the spots in the last picture are some kind of rot/mold/general damage from the excessive water? Pretty much all of mine have a few leaves that look the same way atm.

that is the reason I siad that is a relief. I am facing the same thing with many of mine. thought of early blight, and sprayed with some antifungal. With all of the rain here latley, I think a lot of us are facing this

sirdanny: Chea...today didn't help much either. I went to the MTPS at Henry Horton. Luckily, we had great weather there most of the time, but then I had to drive home in the Nolensville Road typhoon lake...lol. Anyways, i've had to rotate some of my maters. A leaf or two getting too wet and curling up black/dying. Is that early blight (clueless on this as i don't think i've had it before, or if I have I didn't know that's what it was)?

I think it was too much water and not enough sun. They are looking a bit better now, the new growth is definitely greener. I'm really looking forward to the sunny days that are in the forecast.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Lagunites Gardening Experience