Leggy Seedlings

loesbob

Hi All,

Feel a bit of a numpty as this is basic stuff which I appear never to have learned. 

I usually start my seedlings off in a covered seed tray on a south facing window sill and generally very successful.  However most of them, tomatoes in particular, tend to become leggy and I usually overcome that by, when potting on, planting the invidual seedlings deeply to give them added support.  Seems to work but I always feel as if I should be doing something else to stop them getting to that state.  Such as removing the cover, taking them away from the light or...? 

Any knowledge appreciated. Cheers

Bob

Buttercupdays

They get leggy reaching for the light. Early in the year and inside, there's not enough of it, at the right wavelength, for sturdy growth. It gets better as the days get longer, but overhead light is best as they don't need to lean to get it on all leaves.

At these latitudes, when they they still need some warmth and can't go outside safely until around the end of May  it is all a bit of a juggling act, just easier to manage some years than others. A little too much heat or too little sun throw things out of kilter, but too much sun and they get fried...

Nanny Beach

Mine are sown late January early February, north facing kitchen window sill, turned 3 or 4 times a day,6 inches high potted on,has worked for the 10 years we have lived here

Nanny Beach

The only cover they have is a thin layer of compost or perlite