Seedlings Falling Over

[gil1]

I usually plant about 1/2 my garden from seed outside. This year, I thought I'd try starting stuff inside (under lights) for better germination rates. Some of my varieties are doing great, but some are tall and spindly and falling over. Any idea what's wrong or how to fix this? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wobblyshot1]

I don't know what kind of lights you are using but I use florescent tubes and they need to be nearly on top of the growing seedlings to prevent what you are describing.

 

[gil1]

I don't know what kind of lights you are using but I use florescent tubes and they need to be nearly on top of the growing seedlings to prevent what you are describing.

I had read this, but I've got one of those plastic dome lids over the whole seed tray. I think it's supposed to prevent moisture from escaping or something. The light is almost touching the dome/lid, but the dome is pretty far above the tray. Should I just bail on the dome and lower the light? Pics. added above.

 

[Wobblyshot1]

I'm not really sure why the tall domes....the ones I use are the standard ones and probably 1/3 the height of yours. Generally the dome will hold the moisture in the soil until the seeds germinate. You don't want to let your soil dry out during this time. After the seedlings come out of the ground, I'll remove the domes and lower my lights to within an inch or so from the top of the plants and as they grow I'll raise the lights so as to maintain that inch or so separation.

I would ditch the dome and lower the lights asap. Maybe you can salvage your plants and prevent them from becoming too leggy.

 

[BamaProud]

I am using standard trays with no lights. ...just sitting by a window. Bad idea? of should I be OK? I'm very new to gardening.

 

[WMAn]

I am using standard trays with no lights. ...just sitting by a window. Bad idea? of should I be OK? I'm very new to gardening.

You'll need lights or you'll have the same problem as Gil.

Here's an easy to use plan:

http://www.cindyshapton.com/2012/02/bui ... 0-or-less/

 

[catman529]

your lights are way too far above the plants

 

[doubledownranch]

Gil, take that plastic cover and get some scissors and cut them in half. Lower your lights and you should be fine.

Also,
I have an actual grow light, 48" with 4 bulbs that I'm not using this year (I moved houses last weekend and don't have time this year to mess with it)

If you want this light I work in Nashville and you're welcome to use it for this year. You'd be surprised the difference it makes over just standard fluorescent lights.

 

[The_Utility_Dude]

I started some of my plants from seed last year for the 1st time. My brother owns a greenhouse and he gave me a few tips that worked well for me. Like the others said, your lights are too high above your plants.

I place my flats in a tray and fill the tray with water so as to water the seedling trays from the bottom. This would eliminate the need for the dome and will keep your soil moist 24/7. They wick the water up and you never have to disturb the plant/seeds by watering from above. I used lids from some plastic totes we had. I also keep a very small oscillating fan set on low blowing across the plants. This does two things. It keeps fungus/mold from forming and also serves to "toughen" the plants to some degree. The constant light breeze causes the plants to be a little more hardy IMO. I had almost a 100% germination rate with this method and had zero plants to fail after transplanting outside in my raised beds.

 

[BamaProud]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[DntBrnDPig]

Put an oscillating fan blowing over them. It will strengthen the stems.

 

[gil1]

Good news! Doubledownranch generously let me borrow his kickazz grow light, and many of the spindly plants are recovering. I raised the light a little for the photo, but I've normally got it right on top of them. I'll implement the fan idea today, too. Thanks Doubledownranch and everyone else for all your help.