Tomatoes continued...

Just a quick update on the tomatoes that you started.  Most if not all of the seeds that you planted should have sprouted by now.  Mine are MOSTLY up....there are always a few that like to 'sleep in'.  Anyway, I took the covers off as SOON as I saw the first ones popping through.  My two, 72 cell trays are still sitting on my dining room floor (they get morning sun..and up to about 2 pm).  The trays are sitting with the narrow end facing the sliding glass doors...and I've been turning them 180 degrees each day so keep them from a permanent bend in the stem.  Now is the time you want to make a decision on the light issue.  If the plants are getting 'leggy'....long stems between the mix and the leaves....then you may want to consider that 'shop light' I described in a previous post.   At around $10....it's not  a bad outlay and you should get at least 2 years out of it.    I have shelves in my basement with 5 shoplights.  A couple years ago I had a flood down there about planting time, I so had the trays on the dining room floor.  When I saw that the sunlight just wasn't cutting it, I brought up one of the light fixtures. and hung it from a wall shelf that I have in the dining room.  Point being if you need to supplement the light....it's not too hard to come up with a jury rig.  Like hang the light's chain from a dowel set across 2 chairs.  The trick is to get the light bulb to within 2 inches of the top of the plants.  Then it is simply a matter of adjusting the chain to maintain that distance as the plants grow. You may also want to consider a cheapie timer....so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn the light on or off.  Nothing else to do at this point except making sure they don't dry out.  I'm using a spray bottle to mist the plants and soil once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  Before next time.....look for a cheap source for 'Party' cups.  Buy enough cups to acomodate the number of plants you have.  Also, while you are buying stuff, a bag of potting mix will come handy when it's time to move your babies to their second home before moving into the world.  I'm using Miracle Grow potting mix at present, but as always whatever works for you is ok.  Obviously, the biggest bag available is usually the best buy.  (HINT:  Before you hit the stores.....google 'coupon codes' and then look for a coupon for the store or the brand you will be shopping at or for.  The manufacturer's site is also a good place to look for coupons.  And of course this also applies to ANYTHING you are buying.  Ok....do your homework.....and don't forget...you may ask any question you need an answer to.  Till next time....play in the dirt!