Customer Question: This is my first year trying to start everything from seed. I have started seeds in a grow tent inside. A couple days ago I moved them outside during the day to begin the transition to be planted in my garden. But now I am noticing a bunch of yellow leaves on my tomatoes, eggplants and peppers, and some that seemed to be withering, and I don’t know why. Any suggestions?
Answer: Nice start! You've done a great job getting these seedlings along so far!
So there could be a couple problems you're dealing with: The yellowing leaves COULD be over-watering, that's a common culprit. If the soil is soggy, let it air out between watering, and drain out water from the trays so they aren't sitting in water. Droopy, yellowing leaves is often a sign of drowning roots!
Also, always be sure to harden off seedlings – you don't want to put them in full sun on their first days outside, put them in the shade on the first day or two, then move to dappled shade and work up to full sun over a week or so. Pale, yellow or browned/wilted leaves could be sun damage if they have not yet been acclimated to the sun's intense rays. Indoor seedlings need some time to get adjusted!
As you are hardening off your seedlings, bring seedlings indoors or put them in a warmer, sheltered location during cold nights, peppers and eggplant are especially sensitive to temperatures dropping below 50-55˚ F, and could be stunted from colder temperatures.
Don't want to bring them back inside? Use cold frames or hoop houses with frost cloth or plastic is a good way to keep them outside during cooler nights as this can keep them much warmer.
Here are some related posts on this topic:
Why are pepper plants turning yellow even with fertilizer?
Tomato Plant Problems - Yellow Leaves
Yellow Leaves on Pepper Plants
Hardening Off Seedlings
Growing Peppers from Seed: Our Top 12 Tips
Happy growing!
