Leggy seedlinga - Ask Extension
This is my first time to plant seeds indoors. I planted my seeds Sunday afternoon. I'm using a heat mat and domes. Some started popping up yesterday...
Knowledgebase
Leggy seedlinga #860781
Asked March 07, 2024, 10:00 AM EST
This is my first time to plant seeds indoors. I planted my seeds Sunday afternoon. I'm using a heat mat and domes. Some started popping up yesterday but seem too tall and skinny. Is there something different i should do or should I just start over? I started a grow light on them at 5pm yesterday but have turned it off for now. Most are tomatoes. More popped through overnight.
Pictures attached.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Tulsa County Oklahoma
Expert Response
These should be fine as long as you continue to provide adequate lighting. Lighting needs to be bright, the grow lights should be sufficient, and placed within 6 to 8 inches above the plants (if they are flourescent or further away if they are incandescent and produce heat); as the plants grow, the lights should be adjusted upward but still close to the plants. Plants should receive between 12 to 14 hours of light per day. As they continue to grow, brushing over them a couple times a day with your hand to imitate a breeze will help strengthen the stems.
