Mold is an indication that the growing medium is too wet. It doesn't appear to be hurting my plants, but should I be concerned? Mold is growing on the top of the soil surface. When the stems of young seedlings become withered and topple over, they have probably been killed by a soil-borne fungus called "damping off." This fungus is difficult to eradicate once it is present in the soil, but you can avoid it by using a sterile, soilless growing medium, and by providing good air circulation. My seedlings were growing well until all of a sudden they toppled over at the base. The phosphorus content (the middle number on the fertilizer analysis) should be at least 3. If you have been using half-strength fertilizer for the first three to four weeks of the seedling's life, it may be time to increase the fertilizer to full strength. ![]() Purple leaves are an indication that the plant is not receiving enough phosphorus. The leaves on my tomatoes are starting to look purple along the veins and on the underside of the leaves. For more on this topic, see the article How To Garden With Grow Lights. Try lowering the room temperature and reducing the amount of fertilizer you apply. Warm temperatures can also stimulate leggy growth. Use grow lights to ensure that they receive 15 hours of bright light each day. Plants grow tall and leggy when they do not receive enough light. Try again and be sure to provide consistent moisture. If the seeds were old, they may no longer be viable. If the soil was too dry, the seeds may not have germinated or may have dried up before their roots could take hold. If it is swollen and soft, the seed has rotted and you will need to start over. If the soil was cold and excessively wet, the seeds may have rotted. Check the seed packet to determine if all the requirements for temperature and light were met. There are a number of factors that affect seed germination. A cold frame is a great place to harden off plants.įrequently Asked Seed Starting Questions Why did only a few of my seeds germinate? Gradually, over the course of a week or 10 days, expose them to more and more sunshine and wind. About a week before you plan to set the seedlings into the garden, place them in a protected spot outdoors (partly shaded, out of the wind) for a few hours, bringing them in at night. You've been coddling these seedlings for weeks, so they need a gradual transition to the great outdoors. It's not a good idea to move your seedlings directly from the protected environment of your home into the garden. ![]() As the seedlings grow taller, raise the lights. Keep in mind that seedlings need darkness, too, so they can rest. Set the lights on a timer timer for 15 hours a day. If you're growing under lights, adjust them so they're just a few inches above the tops of the seedlings. If seedlings don't get enough light, they will be leggy and weak. Rotate the pots regularly to keep plants from leaning into the light. If you're growing in a window, choose a south-facing exposure. Remember to feed the seedlings regularly with liquid fertilizer, mixed at the rate recommended on the package. I use a fan that's plugged into the same timer as my grow lights. Set up a fan to ensure good air movement and prevent disease. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. How to water and fertilize seedlingsĪs the seedlings grow, use a mister or a small watering can to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. Moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can. After you've dropped a seed in each divot, you can go back and cover the seeds. It's helpful to make a couple divots in each pot to accommodate the seeds. If both seeds germinate, I snip one and let the other grow. For insurance, I plant two seeds per cell (or pot). Other seeds may need to be buried under 1/4-1/2 an inch of soil. Some seeds require light for germination and should be sprinkled on the soil surface. How to plant seedsĬheck the seed packet to see how deep you should plant your seeds. Remember that most mixes contain few, if any, nutrients, so you'll need to feed the seedlings with liquid fertilizer a few weeks after they germinate, and continue until you transplant them into the garden. Fill the containers and pack the soil firmly to eliminate gaps. The goal is to get it moist but not sopping wet crumbly, not gloppy. Start with a fresh, sterile mix that will ensure healthy, disease-free seedlings.īefore filling your containers, use a bucket or tub to moisten the planting mix. Do not use soil from your garden or re-use potting soil from your houseplants. ![]() The best soil for seed germinationĬhoose a seedstarting mix that's made for germinating seeds. Choose the right kit: Browse the Seed Starting Buying Guide.
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