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seedlings grew very tall!
frogslegs
Posts: 7
in Fruit & veg
hi everyone
starting from the very beginning and in need of advice
i decided to grow toms, peppers, french marigold and basil in the green house. i have started them off in a propagator on the kitchen windowsill but i think i left the lid on too long (?) and they grew really tall and thin very fast
Now I'm not sure if i can plant them out there or if i'll have to start again...im worried they wont be very strong
can anyone help?
thank you 
0
Posts
They aren't getting enough light and are getting leggy. I always put some tin foil behind my veg seedlings on a south facing windowsill - this helps them grow straighter. When they get big enough to handle it try brushing them gently over the leaves with your hand during the day - 5-10 times - as this helps them try to grow thicker stems to cope (simulates wind). This works best with tomatoes.
I wouldn't put them out into the greenhouse for a long while yet. I usually wait until they're about a foot tall and bushy. Perhaps early May depending on weather.
We start our French marigolds off in cell trays in the house, they do go a bit leggy. But once the second leaves appear we put them in pots for growing on in an unheated greenhouse, fleece at the ready. They soon go back to growing normally. Never had a problem yet doing it this way. Hope that helps
When you pot them on, plunge them right down in the new pot, right up to the first leaves Even curling round. I have never used a propagator, they come up just as well if you wait for warmer weather, unless you are growing hothouse exotics,
I cant see any advantage in dragging plants up in Feb, you still cant plant out until May, and late March or April sowings will be the same size by May. But stronger plants. I know others wont agree, but it works for me.