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Garden Gate:  "Leggy" starts  |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 05 2013 : 6:33:50 PM
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I am going to attempt to start my pepper and tomato plants indoors this year. I have tried in the past and when the seeds sprout, they always seem so long and gangly (leggy) and then they rot where the stem meets the dirt.
I got the jiffy 7 packs to start them in and saved little mini muffin containers to put the jiffys in (they are the perfect size).
Does anyone have any advice for starting seeds indoors to avoid "leggy-ness"? I just want my plants to look like the ones at the green house, but they never do. 
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2013 : 7:52:23 PM
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I'm going to start some indoors next week too!
I usually, later in spring, get decent starts at the farmers mkt. Hope to try from seeds this year and see how it goes!
Good luck!!
Farmgirl blessings,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2013 : 8:53:22 PM
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Though I've never started my own tomatoes from seeds (keep meaning to!), I have had the problem with "leggy-ness" too. Here's what's worked best for me when starting veggie seeds indoors.
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Cover with lid or plastic wrap for your mini greenhouse.
Seeds with different germination times should be covered separately from each other.
As soon as seeds sprout fully (not just breaking through), uncover. Make sure they are getting sun.
I've found that keeping them covered for too long created the leggy-ness.
Good luck and enjoy!
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4812 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4812 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2013 : 07:11:06 AM
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I agree with Andee about how to start the seeds to avoid their getting too leggy. I also put a oscillating fan on them to imitate a soft breeze. This helps toughen them up a lot.
Best of luck!
Dawn in IL |
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Farmer Judy
True Blue Farmgirl
433 Posts
Judy
North Aurora
IL
USA
433 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2013 : 09:04:12 AM
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I've always had to keep the light just above the plants, not far up where it is convienient for me but withing and inch or two from the plants and move it up as they grow.
God bless,
Judy
Farmgirl #3666
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
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LBP
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Linda
Goodview
VA
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2013 : 12:12:15 PM
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If they are too leggy, transplant them into large containers and bury them deep. They will develope great root systems and become stocky plants!
Come visit me at:
http://lbpsews.blogspot.com |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2013 : 6:00:05 PM
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I think everyone did a great job addressing your legginess (is that even a word?) issue.
However, when you mentioned the flopping over part - that may not be because of the length of the plant. It may be from damping off, which is a soil-borne disease. Here is a link to some really good advice, and it's organic:
http://www.weekendgardener.net/plant-diseases/damping-off-120712.htm
Good luck!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 teenagers, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog: http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker), Twitter (@sphomemaker), and Pinterest (Suburban Prairie Homemaker)
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2013 : 11:45:11 AM
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Also, got some great info last night during the Seed Savers Exchange webinar on seed starting. When your seeds start to get leggy, you want to encourage more root growth. They recommended adding some fertilizer. I picked up some Tiger Bloom today at the garden store. It's higher in phosphorous and potassium, which will help with stem strength and root development. Plus, the stuff is really concentrated, so you can use about 1/2 teaspoon/gallon of water.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 teenagers, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog: http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker), Twitter (@sphomemaker), and Pinterest (Suburban Prairie Homemaker)
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Garden Gate: "Leggy" starts |
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"Leggy" starts
