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Seedlings 'pausing' growth

Glittering_MGlittering_M Posts: 22
edited April 2023 in Problem solving
Hello,
I have been growing seeds indoors (a mix of flowers, veg and herbs) either on a windowsill unheated or on heated proprogater (individual trays for individual types) I've got to a point where many have germinated and started to grow but then it gets to a point where they've almost hit pause, i.e. they aren't getting any bigger and there are no noticeable changes. They are not big enough to prick out yet and I could really do with the space back but obviously I don't want to move them on too early and they die.

This is the same for some of my plants that did get big enough to pot on, they are now doing nothing, just staying static.

Any suggestions of a. What is causing this and b. What I can do please?

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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's pretty normal for this time of year  :)
    I've been sowing seed for decades, but I still feel that anxiety when nothing's happening and you feel it should. It will happen though, once temps are suitable.
    Mine are much slower because I've not had the heating on to the same extent either, for obvious reasons, and the kitchen is considerably colder - consistently, especially when there isn't any sun. 12 degrees in there when I got up this morning. 
    The biggest problem is the space, or lack of it - I also know how that feels! I have other seed to sow but the windowsills I have left aren't suitable. My bedroom window is open most of the day, so although it's in the same aspect as the kitchen ones, it's far too draughty for little seedlings. 

    It's just a matter of time and patience- annoying though that is. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hey there! Congrats on successfully germinating your seeds! It's normal for seedlings to hit a bit of a pause or slow down in growth after the initial sprouting phase. It could be due to a number of reasons, including lack of light, nutrient deficiencies, or not enough space for root development.

    Since your seedlings aren't big enough to be potted on yet, it's important to make sure they have enough space to grow and are receiving adequate light and nutrients. You could consider adjusting their positioning or supplementing with additional light or nutrients.

    For the seedlings that are ready to be potted on, make sure to give them a good quality potting mix with plenty of room for root growth. Also, be careful not to overwater as this can also stunt growth.

    Overall, patience is key! Keep an eye on your seedlings and give them the time and care they need to grow strong and healthy. Good luck!

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Please don't add more nutrients!
    That's totally unnecessary for tiny seedlings @doraTNoMW3ep  , and @Glittering_M has made it clear they aren't ready to be potted on. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thanks both. The house is very cold, right now it is 9c but they are all either in heated proprogaters or in a clear plastic bag. 

    In particular my winter savory is really weedy, very small and thin but I don't know if that is normal for it as it's the first time I've grown it.

    For those on the heat, I just don't know what to do, whether to take the lid off, take them off the heat, both of those or neither!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I never use extra heat, so the only extra they get is when it's sunny, or when the radiator's on, which isn't for very long - half an hour at most. I cover pots with clear lids until seeds germinate, then take them off. I'm not sure heated mats are always helpful because it's what happens after seedlings grow on that really matters. You have to have enough warmth for them to continue their growth, and that often means keeping them inside longer, or having a heated greenhouse.
    I only grow things which can cope with the standard conditions - for less hardy plants, I sow later.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I'd never be able to sow anything if I waited until the house was warm enough, 😂 I do take your point though

    I have some wool in plastic (?) from food deliveries that I wondered if I could use to try and keep things warm but I'm not sure how. Currently the seed trays in the bags are on that.

    Patience is not my strong point!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Are you in a very old property @Glittering_M? If so, it might be easier to cobble together a cold frame or similar and sow in there instead. You may find the temps more consistent.
    I sometimes do seed in the growhouse [it's not a proper greenhouse] but inside a little propagator - usually a container that's had little cakes or something in- courtesy of one of my daughters.  ;)
    I was lucky enough in my last house -Victorian property, to have a very large conservatory. That was helpful for seed sowing and especially tomatoes, as they really have to be grown undercover here. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I have considered cold frames outside but haven't got or made any yet. As it is still frosty I was also concerned about putting things to grow inside my little mini greenhouse (one of those greeny plastic covered ones, not actual glass), but I did think about it. My worry is I'd also forget about them if I can't see them! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The plastic ones are only good for keeping off rain/snow @Glittering_M , they don't offer any protection against cold weather. A cold frame made of timber/brick/block - anything really, with a sheet of perspex, if you can't get glass, and tucked in against a house wall can be surprisingly effective for many types of seed. I was just thinking when I was out for my walk there - a block of flats is having new windows installed. They make good covers. I got a couple from a friend many years ago. The plastic ones would be better - wooden ones weigh a ton! My g'house is timber and polycarbonate, which is better than the plastic ones, but not quite as good as a proper glasshouse, especially as it's small.

    If you don't have good insulation in your house [I'm guessing that's a reason it's so cold] that makes it harder to sow seeds earlier. It's why I asked if it was an older property.  :)
    My house is around 50 years old, modern-ish construction, but really well insulated, which helps. I've sown my usual sweet peas and they do better if allowed to germinate more slowly, so the lower temps they've been in haven't affected them. Things like lettuce and basil are taking ages - simply because it's too cold compared to how it would normally be in there at this time of year, although the lettuce will come away quicker as they prefer a cooler set of conditions. They've only been sown during March though - I rarely sow anything before mid March. Toms were done last week as usual. Half hardy flower seeds will be sown next week or so. 

    It's also about light with sowing early. Are you much further north than me? We get fewer of those nice daylight hours in winter, and more in summer, than in the south, and that also affects seed germination and growth.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I'm in the South and it is a old, cold house with rubbish insulation!

    I'm keeping a notebook now of things to remember for next year. Thanks for your help 😊
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