The seedlings are up!! One week after blog partner Melissa and I planted tomato seeds, we have baby plants in all our containers!! 
And while Melissa is doing a great job of documenting the seed starting process in her short blog videos–here are a few hints about what happens next–
Light is critical. You can buy adjustable grow lights (like mine from Park Seed) or use fluorescent shop lights on chains– but the key word here is adjustable. The light source needs to be close to seedlings as they grow. 
Add a fan. It prevents seedlings from getting the fuzzies, or damping off (a nasty form of stem rot) and makes them strong and stocky. I don’t do a seed table without adding a fan or two.
Bottom water with weak fertilizer. Any water-soluble fertilizer will do, just make it light and don’t oversoak your plants (as in forget them overnight).
Now cross your fingers–free tomato plants for friends and family in less than a month, lord willing and the creek don’t rise as my farming forefathers (and mothers) used to say.
What are you growing to share?
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March 17, 2012 at 7:11 am
outofmyshed
Hi Christine, probably another couple of weeks here in London before I start my tomatoes off, but have leeks hardening off as I write and will plant them out in a week or 2 in our community corner plot with the help from neighbours. Mint just about to be repotted, always with plenty of cuttings spare and a number of tomatoes runners as I finally tidied up my allotment strawberry patch-all looking for new homes!
March 24, 2012 at 12:44 pm
christineramsey
Great to hear from you Naomi. I think of you and your London garden often since I’m following your lead as I plant this year–putting more food crops everywhere–includeing in the flowerbeds. You’ve also gotten me hooked on the Great Dixter Facebook page.
Spring came early in the US this year. I’m more behind in my many garden chores than normal in this busy busy season. Today, I’ll pot up tomato seedlings and other plants for our April plant swap. And I’ll sow the peppers and Morning Glories underlights.
Happy gardening==Love your blog. Christine
March 19, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Seed Starting Tips: Last step – Plant and Pack- Plus what to expect « You Should Grow That!
[...] next? Check out this tomato play by play for next steps and what to [...]
March 19, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Linda Watson
Love the fan idea & will use it. I made my light adjustable by screwing cheap shop lights onto adjustable wooden shelves from Ikea that had seen better days. Like composting furniture.
March 24, 2012 at 12:52 pm
christineramsey
Good to hear from you Linda. I enjoy following you and your kitchen garden on Facebook and Pinerest. I just repinned your roasted radish recipe last night.
Also last night, some great creamed spinach in my kitchen that would make you proud. The plants overwintered in a large pot in the backyard. I am always struck by how much better greens taste when they are fresh picked.
Do try the fan. It makes leggy seedlings like tomatoes tougher.
And congrats on becoming an overnight sucess after five years with the Huffington Post. Well done.