I have quite a few seedlings, but, they didn't get enough light. We didn't want to spend the money for a fancy growing light, and my husband didn't want to try to rig something up with shop lights. So, I put them next to the window, but really, there's not much sun that comes in. So, I have tall and skinny and pale in color seedlings. I have been setting them out in the sun the last few days, but, several have wilted over. If they make it to getting planted, will the plant be ok and produce good fruits, or not? My husband said to get a few tomatoes and pepppers at the the nursery as back up plants. I am new to seed starting and so this is quite a learning experience for me and my husband too. I think next year I may just plant they directly in the garden or start the seeds outdoors in the seed starting thing..see what types of results I'd get that way.
I have the same trouble with my tomato seedlings every year Melissa. The great thing about Tomato plants is that if you plant them deeply, roots will grow from the stalk that is under ground. I usually plant mine as deep as I can leaving only the top set of leaves above the soil. Your seedlings will still need to be "hardened off" before they are planted out in the garden.
You know Melissa, if you want to use grow lights, it doesn't have to be expensive. Just get a cheap goose-neck lamp(s) and a grow light bulb and an extention cord. Goose-neck lamps are not usually expensive, you could also check second-hand stores, yard sales and trunk sales for these. The cheaper, the better. Whay Netty saus about toms is true. In fact I try and let my toms get as leggy as possible before planting them. I just keep planting them in ever deeper containers until they go into the ground. The more roots they have, the better they'll grow and produce for you.
When you first harden off plants,don't put them in direct sunlight. Put them in shade the first day or 2. They need time to acclimate to the real sunlight as well as outdoor temps.
Have you considered winter sowing? That way you don't have all that to worry about. http://wintersown.org/wseo1/How_to_Winter_Sow.html
