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Seed Starting Failure #868992

Asked May 18, 2024, 10:01 AM EDT

I attempted to start seedlings indoors this year and even though I started my peppers 4/8/24, they are still only 3” tall. I used a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite for my starting mix. The grow lights I have are led, but they claim to have the full spectrum and the right balance for plant growth. I think I over watered them, but would that really stunt the plants that badly? And is there anything I can do about them now?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
Overwatering can hurt seedlings by causing root rot.  This makes the roots less capable of delivering nutrients to the plant.
https://gardeningsg.nparks.gov.sg/page-index/plant-problems/root-rot/
It is essential to have free drainage between waterings. 
However, at this time of year you can put the plants outside in the garden and see how they do over a couple days.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 18, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT

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