I think I messed up my seedlings :(

[Brigitte J.]

Hi group, I am new to this gardening thing and it appears I may have done something wrong. Several weeks ago I started some seeds indoors, as I'm in zone 5 and still getting frost at night. All of my seedlings are up but some are getting very long and leggy looking. Some of them are starting to droop and fold-over. Are they supposed to be this way? If not, what did I do wrong? Anything I can do to correct the problem?

The seedlings are brocolli, brussels sprouts and various kinds of lettuce.

Thanks in advance for advice and/or comments.

Brigitte

[Bill Bolle]

Most likely you are not providing enough light. Most of us use fluorescent shop lights placed very close above the seedlings to provide the light they crave. If the bending over is just due to their "long legs", and not a damping off disease, you may be able to save them by repotting them. Plant them a little deeper in the new soil, even up to where the leaves branch out from the stem, and you may be able to save a large portion of them. Most of all give them light!! Bill

[Dale McSwain]

Are you using artificial lighting? If so then the light needs to be very close to the plants - almost touching if using flourescent. Move it up when the plants start to touch it.

Make sure you don't water too much.

Dale

Brigitte J. wrote:

[Katra]

More light...

K.

[Loki]

il Tue, 06 Apr 2004 12:28:14 GMT, "Brigitte J." ha scritto: It's called etiolation. they are stretching out to get light. if you provide close light, just be aware not to burn them. Put 'em out in a sheltered spot in daytime if possible, then bring them in at night. If they get too stretched start over again.