Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Seedlings

denisestarrdenisestarr Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We grow seeds but having potted them on they never seem to develop a good root system and never prosper. What are we doing wrong 
«1

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Would need more info - and photos  :)
    You might be using the wrong ort of potting mix, they might be over or under watered, they might be getting moved on too soon, too big a pot when moved, too sunny and hot.

    All, or a mix of, these things can be factors   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Not enough light is common as well, if they're being grown on in the house. Makes them spindly and drawn and weak.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - I forgot that one @JennyJ  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • denisestarrdenisestarr Posts: 2
    We are growing in a greenhouse and use bought seedling compost. I am thinking it’s likely to be my lovely husband over watering as the compost just falls away when they come out of the pot. 
    Thank you for your help. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited September 2021
    The best way with seedlings is - when in doubt - wait.
    Wait - until they have a good amount of roots showing in the tray/pot before potting on. Don't over pot - or  over water  ;)

    Also - don't pot on into seed compost - they need something more hearty if they're being done in spring/summer.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    And also, are they warm enough? It took me a while to learn just how warm some half hardies have to be to thrive. Frost free isn't enough.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Indeed @Posy. It depends on what the seed is that's being grown. 

    I always laugh at the temps given on seed packets for Feb - April sowing :  sow at around 20 - 22 degrees. My house is rarely that warm for any length of time, especially in February! 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I never go by the packets,  just the last month then ads some more.
    i think the February sowers use a propagator, but then what,   No where to keep them until May anyway. 
    I don’t like seed compost, heavy wet and claggy.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Indeed @Lyn - years of following advice on G's World too, until I realised it doesn't work here  ;)
    I don't like it either - never use it. Ordinary compost, with some perlite or similar is fine, especially if sowing in autumn. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    I'm glad it's not just me who's struggling to like seed compost.  I mix about a third of multi-purpose into it just to open it out, otherwise I find it alternates between mud and rock.
Sign In or Register to comment.