hi there,
the roots should be able to grow through those nets, although I always ~carefully~ remove them before transplanting into a larger styrofoam cup because I have found mold issues as the net traps in some of the moisture, causing drainage issues. Root-rot can be a possibility too over time if they aren't transplanted quickly into the ground and given "breathing room". I think they'll be okay! Did you harden them off? Sometimes if you don't harden your plants off very well they can be slow on the come-around...

There are many previous discussions here about the many problems associated with using the peat pellets - a search will pull them up for you if you want to read through them. Just search "jiffy pellets" or "peat pellets". But one, if not the most common, complaint about them is the netting so yes, she was correct.

The manufacturer claims that yes the root will readily grow through. In reality many of us have discovered that while some roots will, most will not. The seedling becomes rootbound within the netting resulting in stunted growth. The manufacturer changed the formulation of the netting about 4 years back just because of this problem. But the improvement, if any, is minimal. So, most strongly advise that it be removed before transplanting.

As to why your plants may have stopped growing now that the nets are gone, there could be several reasons. What have you fed the plants? The pellets have no nutrients so feeding is required. In your zone, what were your soil temps when you transplanted? Soil that is still too cool stops growth. The plants just sit there until the soil warms enough IF that doesn't take too long. Roots can rot and die while waiting for warm soil. And they will need additional time to recover from the second transplanting too. Each transplanting sets top growth back about a week as the roots play catch up.

If you have fed them and if the soil is warm enough and if they have ample sun and enough but not too much water, then yes, they will eventually take off. Give them a week and you should see a change.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thank you both. I'm going out right now to give them miracle grow. I don't think i fertilized when they were in the house,

give them miracle grow for tomatoes or another tomato specific fertilizer. regular miracle grow is too high in nitrogen. this results in lots of leaf growth, but less fruit.