For peppers i would not, they are too susceptible to damping off, that's where they suddenly topple over due to an infection in the stem. It strikes quickly and is a bit too common for my taste. I would gently lift them out, top up with dirt, then replant. There is little danger in harming them this way, they will go through a short period of transplant shock but it seems to spur new root growth.

Whereas for tomatoes, i would just go with your idea, but not so much dirt where the leaves are touching the soil. The newly buried tomato stems will send out new roots, aka adventitious roots, which benefit the plant.

With eggplants i have no idea, though i suspect they will react similarly as the tomato plants, just be sure that the leaves are not touching the soil.

Steve

I've never had a problem burying pepper seedlings deeper if they get a bit leggy.

Rodney

I too will bury any legging pepper plants if need be, and have never had a problem with damping off. By the time plants are big enough to transplant there usually isn't much danger of damping off, for they usually have a nice sturdy/healthy stem. However, them bunnies can cause havoc!

These would be very small seedlings, not garden sized transplants. I am thinking I won't risk it if they are still very small and delicate.

As sjetski said.
Peppers, unlike tomatoes, have woody stems that won't grow roots from it, UNLESS the stem is still soft and young.

Seysonn

Ya, i mentioned damping off because it happens to me every year. It's normally just a small percentage of my pepper plants, but a couple of years were pretty bad. Some of them were larger starts that had strong stems. Some can be rescued, others can't.

I don't recall from experience, but I've also heard that young pepper seedlings, with soft stems, can sprout extra roots, but with the luck i've had, i'll never attempt it.

Steve

Some of my peppers growing a bit finally. Finally got a pic.

There are a few smaller ones you can't see. Alas I lost two seedlings due to the peat pots drying out. Never ever again!

Just to clarify, in my previous comment I was referring to plants that have only their first or second set of true leaves. Which is why I used the term seedling instead of transplant. Don't keep the mix wet and provide adequate air circulation and you won't be troubled with damping off and/or stems rotting.

Rodney

That's a lot of evidence to support your claim Sandy :). I also bury my young seedlings up to the cotys as well if they are leggy. I as long as you water properly you shouldn't have too much problems with damping off.