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Seedlings 'pausing' growth
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?
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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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.
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!
That's totally unnecessary for tiny seedlings @doraTNoMW3ep , and @Glittering_M has made it clear they aren't ready to be potted on.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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!
I only grow things which can cope with the standard conditions - for less hardy plants, I sow later.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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!
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.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I'm keeping a notebook now of things to remember for next year. Thanks for your help 😊