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How do i get a good root system on my young plants?
Hi, I have been growing seeds for some time but never seem to get my seedlings to produce a strong root system. The seeds germinate ok, grow quick and from the top look quite strong but when I transplant them the root system is hardly there. (Even by the time they're due to go out in situ) I watch GW and see the seedlings and young plants being potted on and notice the roots look much stronger and pots full of roots when it comes to planting time. How do I get my plants I grow from seed to produce a good strong root system??
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It depends on what seeds you are growing but if they are bigger seeds I find most of mine grow well in root trainers ( I hope this isn't advertising ) you can buy them from garden centres and use them time after time.
I also find weather you are growing in root trainers or seed trays you will get better roots forming if you stand them on gravel, I think the moisture in the gravel promotes the roots to grow longer.
I also wonder if you are potting up or on too soon and the roots haven't had chance to grow.
i hope this is of some help.
Are you potting them on into too-large pots ? I tend to keep mine in small pots until they are almost full of roots, somehow I think the lack of space stimulates roots. I pot on a couple of times to slightly larger pots rather than pot only once into considerably bigger pots (hope this makes sense ).
It works for me but I've no idea if its just coincidence !