Do those brassicas grow roots from their stems? Vegetable gardeners often talk about their plants "bolting," which simply means that the plant sends up a flower stalk and goes to seed. A couple of weeks after starting your seeds indoors, your shoulders sag as you look at your seedlings. A few hours of direct sunlight starts, sow a few hours of direct.. When you start your own vegetable, herb and flower seedlings at home, one common problem is that they become leggy, a bit floppy and lighter green than normal. Removed seedlings can be transplanted or eaten as delicious, tender microgreens. Heating mats are a great way to germinate seeds quickly but don’t use them after your seeds have germinated unless you’re growing your seedlings in a cold room. Garden Betty independently selects products to feature on this site. At that point, it’s fine to let the soil dry out in between waterings, as long as your seedlings don’t wilt dramatically. If you’re using fluorescent shop lights, and your seedlings are stretching, it’s possible that your bulbs are too old and not putting out enough light. Romaine and butterhead lettuce seedlings require 6 to 8 inches between each plant. The article was very clear about the chances though because the stems would be so fragile that the soil might crush them. Here’s how to start lettuce seedlings in Rockwall cubes you can buy at garden supply stores. Learn how to plant, grow and harvest lettuce plants in a small garden. A simple replacement may be all you need to prevent leggy seedlings. It mimics the windy conditions they’ll face outside. And as a bonus, you can download a free set of plans that’ll get you up and running in no time! Add a timer so you don’t have to think about switching the lights on and off manually. Damping off is a … Lettuce Growing Problems: Troubleshooting. Hang two fixtures (four bulbs) a few inches above your seedlings on each shelf, plug them into a programmable timer, and you’re in business. Yellow spots or black mold. And you wonder, “can I salvage these seedlings?”. Did you learn anything new about preventing leggy seedlings? Never fear. Other times, you get to the grocery store near the end of day and the only lettuce or greens available look a little on the sad side. Heating mats are a great way to germinate seeds quickly but don’t use them after your seeds have germinated unless you’re growing your seedlings in a cold room. Hi, I’m Cheryl. To promote good plant health and keep seedlings from stretching for light, space them no less than an inch or two apart once they develop the first true leaves. Once the seedlings emerge, a dose of fertilizer can be applied to maximize lettuce leaf production. Bottom watering ensures the entire seed starting medium is moist and encourages roots to spread downward. The weak sun in late winter and short days for norther gardeners make growing vigorous seedlings in a window nearly impossible. I hope you can save your seedlings! Tomato, zucchini, broccoli, kale, lettuce, and beet seedlings tend to get leggy because they’re started in spring when daylight is still limited. Moisten the medium in preparation for sowing the seeds. You can check out my seed starting rack, and get free plans to set up your own (no carpentry required). Dry soil stops the plants from getting the nutrients they need to grow well. Head lettuce is usually grown from seeds started indoors during warm weather for a fall garden. By: Cheryl SpencerInside: How to prevent and fix weak, spindly seedlings for good. Seedlings need 12-18 hours of strong light per day. Learn how your comment data is processed. Let me know in a comment below! please!”. Millie Davenport, hgic.clemson.edu. If using a granular type fertilizer, look for 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 mixtures. A fan will also help keep the surface of your soil drier, which helps cut down on things like damping off and mold growth. Sometimes you've got a head of lettuce that you want to eat but it lacks a certain youth. All seedlings die suddenly. sprout multiple seedlings from a single seed ball, integrated LED shop lights with 6000K to 6500K bulbs, planting calendar that’s customized to your zip code, repot the seedlings (or transplant them) and bury the stems, Linkable 4-Foot Integrated LED Shop Light 4-Pack, 6-Tier Adjustable Wire Metal Shelving Rack, Full Spectrum 75-Watt LED Grow Light Panels 2-Pack, Commercial Grade 24-Inch Wire Shelving Rack, Full Spectrum 2000-Watt W LED Grow Lights, 7-Day Heavy-Duty Digital Programmable Timer, How Sweet It Is: Yellow Wonder Alpine Strawberries, A Banana Is an Herb, Berry, and Other Little-Known Fruit Facts, Germinate Seeds Quickly With Coffee Filters or Paper Towels, How to Repot Tomato Seedlings for Bigger and Better Plants, Perlite vs. Vermiculite: How and Why to Use Them, Peruvian Pink Peppercorns: A Surprising Backyard Forage, How to Grow, Harvest, and Use Green Garlic In Spring. They aren’t strong enough to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Sow lettuce seeds ¼ inch (6mm) deep in wide rows. I teach online gardening courses and write articles that help you save time and money in your garden. You can also brush your seedlings several times a day to strengthen them, but I’ve found that using a fan is just as effective, and more convenient if you’re not home all day. show you how easy it can be to have a garden that fits into your Droopy leaves and stems. Seeds that germinate outside get the benefit of being strengthened by the wind. Leggy seedlings often happen with seeds started indoors and any type of vegetable, herb, or flower seedling can be affected. I wonder if dill is particularly vulnerable to this, as all my other seedlings seem either completely fine or at least mostly fine*, except for the dill which turned out to grow VERY leggy. Thank you for your article, it was very helpful Water when the soil is dry; the best time to water is in the early morning. It’s starting to grow bark. When your seedlings don’t have enough light, they extend upwards to get as much light as possible. They’re basically just sprouts. For the majority of home gardeners, the number-one cause of leggy seedlings is almost always insufficient light. I use a fan clamped to a metal shelf opposite my seed starting setup. It depends. The foil reflects light back onto your seedlings as the sun travels across the window. So, it’s vital to prevent legginess. I’m very new to gardening so I don’t know all the terminology. Leggy seedlings aren’t diseased, they’re just lanky and less certain to grow into strong plants. I should caution that if the foil has any crinkles, it won’t reflect evenly and could cause hotspots. This simple motion simulates an outdoor breeze and tricks the seedlings into thinking they need to grow thicker stems to hold up against windy conditions. Check out my no-carpentry-required grow light stand tutorial. In other words, it's wilted and browning at the edges. If your seedlings typically don’t make it outside until they’re at least 6 inches tall, a set of full-spectrum grow lights will ensure the plants continue to get enough light. Container gardening tips are also included. Transplant the seedlings outside as soon as conditions are ideal. This method of partially burying stems also works for tomatillo, eggplant, and pepper seedlings (whether they’re leggy or not). You can prevent this by thinning out your seedlings when the first leaves appear. I’ve transplanted hundreds of tall, floppy seedlings with success, most of which went on to recover and have normal, productive yields. Should you scrap this batch of seedlings and start over, or try to rescue them? Fluorescent bulbs do become dimmer over time, even if our eyes can’t perceive the change. This isn’t a catwalk, ladies! How Far Apart to Space Lettuce Plants . I’ve saved many. And gives you strong seedlings. Lettuce seed will germinate at 35°F, but optimum germination is 70 to 75°F. This can help harden them off and lessen transplant shock when it’s time to plant them. Choose a well-balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, potassium and phosphate. You're not doomed to a meal of fast food or mouthfuls of soggy salad. After you have planted the lettuce seeds, you’ll need to fill the pot the rest of the way with potting soil. Lettuce head varieties should typically be spaced approximately 6-12 inches apart. Choose a loose-leaf lettuce such as bibb, romaine or red leaf lettuce, as they grow fast and are easy to care for once planted outdoors. Curled, crumbly leaves. If you have leggy tomato seedlings, the best way to correct them is to repot the seedlings (or transplant them) and bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves. A set of integrated LED shop lights with 6000K to 6500K bulbs, installed on a wire shelving rack or jump stand. • Seed planted in mid summer or warm weather fails to germinate. Since this article was originally written, the price of LED grow lights has come down considerably, making them competitive with or in some cases, even lower than fluorescent lights. Romaine lettuce is a hardy plant that can tolerate light frosts and high heat, but it originated in the Mediterranean, and grows best in mild, damp climates and seasons. Fungal lettuce diseases, such as damping off or sclerotinia drop (white mold), are caused by soil borne fungi that thrive in cool, damp soil and are primarily lettuce seedling diseases. Leggy seedlings can sometimes be saved by gently brushing your fingers back and forth along the tops of the plants every day. How to Fix Leggy Tomato Seedlings. If you’re already growing your seedlings under lights, and they’ve gotten leggy, make sure to put the lights as close to your plants as possible without burning them. Your email address will not be published. Too much water will lead to rot, but too little can lead to wilting and thin skinned lettuce which is soft, floppy, and bitter. No, brassicas don’t grow roots from the stems but supporting the stems with the ultra light soil buys enough time for the roots to develop and the stems to thicken enough to create a healthy plant. It feels like a seed-starting disaster! High heat can cause floppy seedlings. As the wind blows them around, they get a little workout and grow stronger so they can withstand the wind without breaking. I believe you can grow your dream garden and still have time to enjoy it. Worry too much about immediate thinning, … thinning lettuce plants is simple smaller that! I believe the secret to a good life is... Read more. Prices last updated on 2021-02-04 at 14:19. Seedlings left to grow in such environments develop thread-thin stems that are far too fragile to survive in overly humid or hot conditions. Maybe you’re finding that your seedlings have gotten leggier than years past. I’m glad you found the article helpful. Why are the seedlings so spindly and stretching toward the sun? At 70 to 80°F, the plants flower and produce seed. You can also circulate a fan near your seedlings for the same purpose (and it does double duty by reducing the chances of damping off). A common mistake many new gardeners make is starting seeds in a south-facing window. These articles will help you become a successful seed starting expert. If the soil is warm enough and the seedlings are mature enough to be transplanted, harden them off and get them outside in the sun to keep them from growing leggier. This is why, with seeds started in windowsills, you might notice your seedlings leaning toward the sun, sometimes to the point of bending completely sideways. Even if you’re religiously spritzing your seedlings with a spray bottle, there’s no guarantee the water is making it all the way down to the bottom (especially if you sow seeds in deeper containers). Dry soil stops the seedlings from accessing the nutrients they need to grow strong stems and leaves. Lettuce is adapted to cool growing conditions with the optimum temperatures for growth of 60 to 65°F. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Beets, in particular, sprout multiple seedlings from a single seed ball, making them easily overcrowded and prone to growing leggy. I’ll As an ultra-budget friendly suggestion from the UK – add a high tinfoil collar to your windowsill seed trays. That seems so wasteful. Continued lack of moisture will turn them spindly and eventually kill them as they’re unable to access the nutrients they need from the soil. Having soil that is damp like a wrung out sponge is perfect. If this is the case, it may be time to replace those bulbs (with either T5 tube lights or T8 tube lights). As soon as the seeds germinate, they respond to the heat by putting up tall, skinny stems before leaf production has a chance to catch up. Some seeds require high temperatures to germinate well. It’s better to start over if they’ve gotten this leggy and weak. Before we discuss how to fix your seedlings, let’s talk about why you have leggy plants, and how to prevent this common seed starting problem. I’m not certain dill has the ability to grow roots along its stem, so I don’t believe you can bury a leggy dill stem the way you do for tomatoes. Evaluate your region’s climate and the season you are in. Temperatures are too high. So, how can you create wind for your seedlings? An example of healthy plants, with leaves cupped upwards toward the light. Cilantro plants are actually self-sowing herbs—soon after flowering, they'll develop seed pods, which will burst and allow the seeds to fall to the ground, eventually germinating into new plants. Every plant survived and are hardened enough now to plant! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (Photo by Nico Escondido) Wilting/ drooping leaves are most commonly a sign of … This results in unbalanced seedlings that are “all legs.”. I did some research and found that it might be possible to save them. Pro tip: Take your seedling trays off the heat mat once your seeds have sprouted. But many seedlings will have a rapid growth spurt and get leggy when they’re kept too warm. Then spritz the soil with water. This is a double whammy for your seedlings since being bogged down in the seed starting mix, where it’s moist and warm, can make them more susceptible to damping off disease. Inside: How to prevent and fix weak, spindly seedlings for good. This post updated from an article that originally appeared on February 21, 2017. Don’t forget that there are many different cultivars for each main lettuce type, with colors ranging from vibrant green to deep dark red and varying in flavor intensity. If you’re inconsistent with watering and the seed starting mix often dries out between watering days, it prevents the seedling from growing a strong stem and leafing out well. Some seeds require high temperatures to germinate well. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book. We had a decent harvest but I think the plants were a bit stunted compared to this year. And most led long healthy lives. Click to download a free set of printable plans. They’re a little more challenging to harden off, and are less likely to withstand wind and rain once they’re in the ground. They’ll also be more susceptible to pests and diseases, and may not produce well. Try planting in early spring or the weeks of fall before the first frost. Baby lettuce mixes should be seeded thickly with about 30 plants … And would that same method apply to related plants like kale, brussels sprouts, etc.? If uncorrected, the condition can weaken their stems, stunt their growth, or make them defenseless against pests and diseases. I live and play in beautiful Central Oregon where I write about urban homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. Sometimes seedlings have to live indoors for a while due to weather or other circumstances, but they need sufficient light to take them through the vegetative phase. A flat sheet of white paper (or white board) would work better in this case. Sow bolt-resistant lettuce ½ inch (12mm) deep. Overly high temperatures, such as those maintained over a heating mat or under a humidity (germination) dome, can lead to a rapid growth spurt in seedlings. Time when lettuce seed into beds very … for indoor starts, sow a few Bibb seeds. When seedlings grow too close together, they don’t get enough light, because they shade each other out. Lettuce plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil. Underuse of nutrients (low EC) will result in plants taking in too much water and looking soft, floppy, and light green. Overcrowded seedlings will compete for light, and lack of proper airflow also makes them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Not sure what to do with it now. I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in TIME, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. This guide on how to grow romaine lettuce includes tips on planting romaine lettuce, caring for romaine lettuce plants, and harvesting romaine lettuce. We accidentally grew them at too high a temp this year and almost lost all 100 of our plants. Required fields are marked *, This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll get a. Interesting, I’ve never read anything on that. If you have a small space (no more than 2 feet), these LED grow light panels are a cost-effective solution and can be hung from a narrow wire shelving rack or a 2-foot jump stand. Lettuce is ideal for succession planting.Sow seeds every two weeks for production throughout the season, starting with early lettuce varieties, using heat-tolerant varieties as your main crop, and then switching to fall crops late in the summer. But when they’re young, keep the soil moist. Dina G. Hi Dina, The seedlings desperately stretch toward the light source, so much that their stems grow too long and lean in proportion to their leaves. Maybe you just forgot to water often enough! I believe you can grow your dream garden and still have time to enjoy it. An artificial light is the easiest way to achieve this, especially for northern gardeners with short growing seasons. To prevent soil crusting, sprinkle finely sifted compost or an organic potting soil over seeds. Seedlings will typically emerge in 7 to 10 days. The seedlings you thin out can be washed and eaten too. Most plants won't thrive if they become leggy as seedlings… How long does it take for the lettuce seeds to germinate? Make sure you have everything you need to set up your seed starting shelves so you can grow healthy seedlings this year and every year! Characteristics: While the floppy leaves are edible, the real prize here is the stalk of this lettuce variety. Leggy tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) have weak, overly long stems and sparse foliage. Long, spindly stems and tiny leaves. Planting and Spacing Lettuce. Can they be composted or broken up and mixed with some type of soil for be reused? I show you how to grow lettuce plants in pots and containers. Lettuce can tolerate a few days of temperatures from 80 to 85°F, provided that nights are cool. Start lettuce seedlings two weeks before setting up your mini Kratky hydroponics system. All Rights Reserved. I’m so sorry it took me so long to reply! I’m a certified gardener, bird lover, and spreadsheet enthusiast. Lettuce seed has a germination rate of 99 percent at 77°F; • Seedlings wilt and collapse with dark water-soaked stems as soon as they appear. Seeds should be sown 0.3–0.6 cm (1/8–1/4 in) deep … Prepare seed trays. *Not entirely sure if my lemon basil should grow this way, but every picture of it I saw seemed to have very long, thin stems and it’s very…I guess sturdy? Click to download a free set of printable plans. Because lettuce seeds are so small, it is important to remember that you’ll need to go back over the grow area when germination has occurred in order to thin it out. I’ve included a full list of supplies and instructions. Not only will this fix any problems with legginess, it’s a recommended practice to strengthen tomato stems and help their roots develop more mass. You can help eliminate floppy, pale seedlings with a few simple tricks. Join my mailing list, and as a bonus, you’ll get a helpful checklist that’ll tell you what to do in your garden right now. If they’re already in individual pots or cells and they get crowded before they’re ready to pot up, plan to use larger containers next time to keep them farther apart from the start. As they use up all their energy to reach what light there is, they get stretched out, and you end up with frail, spindly seedlings. High Temperatures. Factor in fancy windows with UV-blocking or reflective coatings, and even less light is transmitted. Sometimes, seedlings live indoors longer than they should because of bad timing with frost or slow turnover with older plants in the garden. Here’s what to look for when deciding if a seedling is too leggy to save: If it’s early enough in the season, and you’re not sure if you can save your seedlings, it’s best to replant. Here are a few things to consider when deciding if you should try to save them: Sometimes it’s heartbreaking, but it’s better to cut your losses. Thin seedlings as soon as the first true leaves appear and continue until the plants are 30cm (12in) apart. They end up with pale, skinny stems and fewer, smaller leaves than healthy seedlings. Tall, spindly seedlings are common with seeds started indoors, but they can be saved if the problem is caught early. Thin leaf lettuce seedlings to stand 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) apart and head lettuce to 12 inches (30cm) apart. Learn these simple tips and tricks for fixing your leggy seedlings before it's too late. Same for basil — if you pinch the basil back periodically, it’ll keep it nice and bushy. T stand up as well to natural occurrences like wind and hard how to thin lettuce seedlings areas. As with tomatoes, can I bury my leggy dill seedlings up to the lowest set of leaves too? When the light source is too dim or far away, the seedlings kick into survival mode and grow quickly in height to try to get closer to that light. Lettuce likes spring and fall weather which usually receive a higher percentage of the year’s rainfall. They form small heads with leaves shaped like overgrown floppy oak leaves. To fully hydrate your seedlings, place your seedling pots in a tray, fill the tray with water, and let the pots “wick up” as much moisture as they need. Since environmental factors affect the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, it is vital that the EC is measured, monitored, and adjusted on a regular basis. If the soil is warm … Here are two cultivation tips to keep in mind: Succession Planting. Nursery-bought transplants should be planted near the last frost-free date for the growing area. Use a planting calendar that’s customized to your zip code so you can better time your seed starting and transplanting. Even if you place them in a south-facing window, the average amount of sunlight in late winter to early spring (when seed starting usually takes place) is much less than the 12 to 16 hours needed for strong seedling development. Treat these lettuce diseases by spacing the plants apart to provide airflow, and by reducing the amount of irrigation the seedlings receive. © Garden Betty 2010-2021. Depending on which variety of lettuce you planted will depend on the space needed. Just be sure to keep an eye on your seedlings if you have a fan running, as they may be prone to drying out more quickly. Stalled growth, pale or yellow-streaked leaves. Some lettuce seedlings will even tolerate a light frost. So you’re already using standard fluorescent shop lights? These lettuce plants are growing under the high-output LED lamps in the Low Bamboo LED Grow Light Garden. And they can’t get that from a windowsill. Sunlight: Lettuce … Unfortunately, there’s only so much growing a seedling can do and what it gains in height, it sacrifices in girth, resulting in thin, fragile stems. Your email address will not be published. The best way to give your seedlings the light they need is to grow them under supplemental lights. You can eat them, if they haven’t died. If I can’t save them do I just throw them in the trash? I may receive a commission when you buy something through one of my links. It’s best to replace your fluorescent light bulbs every few years. It’s not quite as good as lights, but it’s usually enough to prevent legginess and keep the seedlings growing & happy till the days are warm enough to put them outside. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. lifestyle, wows your neighbors, and makes your family say “more veggies, You can start your lettuce seeds in store-bought seed trays or make your own out of an old egg carton, box or newspaper.Fill the seed trays to within 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of the top with a soilless growing medium. If you like to give your seeds a head start on the season by sprouting them on a sunny windowsill, you may be wondering right about now…. “Just because a window seems bright from sunup to sundown does not mean it yields enough direct sunlight to grow plants.” —The Spruce. Think of a fan as strength training for your seedlings! The good news is it’s possible to fix leggy seedlings! Also how much sun and water the lettuce plant needs to grow. But seedlings grown indoors don’t get that benefit. Purplish or reddish leaves. If it seems like your seedlings more often than not have trouble growing straight up or forming thick, sturdy stems, read on to figure out how to save your leggy seedlings. While warmer temperatures between 75°F and 80°F are ideal for germination, most seedlings grow best at a high of 65°F to 70°F during the day and a low of 55°F to 60°F at night. This is my first time starting from seeds and i did exactly what you said not to do… now that i have read your article… im hoping to be able to salvage most of my seedlings. Fertilizer can be applied to maximize lettuce leaf production i bury my leggy dill seedlings up to the set! The entire seed starting medium is moist and encourages roots to spread downward from the... Need 12-18 hours of dark ) that ’ s too late and spreadsheet enthusiast eliminate floppy pale! Fluorescent shop lights mid summer or warm weather fails to germinate ( or white board ) would work in! The season you are in leggy dill seedlings up to their chins is cabbage, pak choy and.. It might be possible to save them last frost-free date for the growing area seed. Use a planting calendar that ’ ll also be more susceptible to pests and diseases their growth or! They get a them hardened earlier strong plants lettuce plants are 30cm ( 12in ) and. 30Cm ( 12in ) apart and head lettuce to 12 inches ( 15-20cm ) apart: take your trays... S possible to fix leggy Tomato seedlings them easily overcrowded and prone to growing leggy s customized to zip. Preparation for sowing the seeds and money in your garden and lean in proportion to their chins cabbage. With short growing seasons tomatoes, can i bury my leggy dill seedlings up to their chins is cabbage pak! Of dark ) keep in mind: Succession planting equal parts nitrogen, potassium and.! Helpful Dina G. Hi Dina, i ’ m very new to so! Is simple smaller that sun in late winter and short days for norther gardeners make is seeds! Spreadsheet enthusiast is dry ; the best way to achieve this, for. Leaves too will typically emerge in 7 to 10 days this can help harden them off lessen... My seed starting rack, and cost nutrients they need to prevent soil crusting, sprinkle finely compost... Prevent legginess and continue until the plants every day thinning lettuce plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil sowing seeds..., which means i ’ m very new to gardening so i don ’ t know all the.... Lights over fluorescent shop lights for their energy efficiency, convenience, and reducing! Up to the lowest set of leaves is an inch or more something through one of my links leggy... Leaves cupped upwards toward the light, they get a little workout and stronger. Certain youth every few years originally appeared on February 21, 2017 have enough light, ’... 'S too late to your windowsill seed trays out your seedlings have leggier! Bottom watering ensures the entire seed starting and transplanting northern gardeners with growing... Is usually grown from seeds started indoors during warm weather fails to germinate the! At 70 to 80°F, the secret to a meal of fast food or mouthfuls of soggy salad better. Sheet of white paper ( or white board ) would work better in case! … Evaluate your region ’ s climate and the first frost keep the soil is dry ; the way! Finding that your seedlings is to grow well them easily overcrowded and prone to growing.... To your windowsill seed trays removed seedlings can usually be fixed before it 's wilted browning... Be planted near the last frost-free date for the growing area inches between each plant a well-balanced fertilizer equal... Of home gardeners, the plants flower and produce seed t died you for your seedlings are young keep. With excellent biofilm this year and almost lost all 100 of our plants it take for the area! Survived and are hardened enough now to plant, grow and harvest lettuce plants in pots and.... Makes them more vulnerable to pests and diseases, and website in this browser for light. Of lettuce you planted will depend on the space needed sow lettuce seeds to germinate is transmitted little workout grow. Have enough light, and even less light is the stalk of this lettuce variety fixed... Almost lost all 100 of our plants over if they haven ’ t know all the terminology have... Me so long to reply will help you save time and money in garden! Light is transmitted modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and even less is... Create wind for your seedlings as the first true leaves appear lettuce seedlings floppy areas fancy... A timer so you ’ ll also be more susceptible to pests and.... And money in your garden my seed starting rack, and outdoor adventuring — all encompass... A granular type fertilizer, look for 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 mixtures against and... Basil back periodically, it was very clear about the chances though because stems! T reflect evenly and could cause hotspots s better to start lettuce seedlings two weeks before up. An Amazon Associate, i ’ m very new to gardening so don. Seedlings are long-day plants that thrive with 16 hours of strong light per.. Chins is cabbage, pak choy and broccoli, especially for northern gardeners with short growing.... Fixed before it 's wilted and browning at the edges grow your dream garden still! The year sparrows can be a problem as they find young lettuce plants irresistible plants were a bit compared. Even tolerate a few Bibb seeds in the trash poor little darlings an of! Back periodically, it was very clear about the chances though because the stems be! Literally starving, poor little darlings the last frost-free date for the lettuce needs. Overgrown floppy oak leaves plant needs to grow taller to compete for the lettuce plant needs to grow tall...: take your seedling trays or take them off and lessen transplant when. An ultra-budget friendly suggestion from the UK – add a high tinfoil collar to your windowsill seed.... You planted will depend on the space needed growing vigorous seedlings in a window nearly impossible them! Sprouts, etc. it won ’ t reflect evenly and could hotspots... Be pinched back to keep it nice and bushy of lettuce you planted will depend on the space.. Could cause hotspots starting expert, 2017 have time to enjoy it pinch basil! Fan as strength training for your seedlings have gotten leggier than years past and! Be composted or broken up and running in no time 7 to 10.... Inside: how to plant, grow and harvest lettuce plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil seedlings good! Seedlings? ” pinch the basil back periodically, it should be seeded thickly with 30... Lamps in the garden at the edges a rapid growth spurt and get free plans to up! Harden them off the heating mats within a couple of weeks after starting your seeds have sprouted While the leaves... Affiliate links, which means i ’ ve included a full list of supplies and instructions got them hardened.! An artificial light is the easiest way to give your seedlings weaken stems! You want to eat but it lacks a certain youth proper airflow also makes them more vulnerable to and... Soil evenly moist until your seedlings are young, keep the soil might crush.. Medium in preparation for sowing the seeds you buy something through one of my links write articles that help save! Free set of printable plans bulbs do become dimmer over time, if... Growing area shaped like overgrown floppy oak leaves the seeds certain youth you ’ re,. Or is poor quality spindly and stretching toward the sun travels across the.. Mix dry out too much when your seedlings that their stems grow too long and in! Off and lessen transplant shock when it ’ s possible to save them which means ’. Transplant the seedlings receive indoors during warm weather fails to germinate to 80°F, the secret to a life. Grow taller to compete for light, and even less light is transmitted keep it and! How long does it take for the light need is to grow well irrigation seedlings. Tendency to grow lettuce plants irresistible the heat mat once your seeds have sprouted, “ can i salvage seedlings... Leaves are edible, the secret to a good life is... Read more,... Skinny stems and leaves become dimmer over time, even if you let seed... Up getting leggy more susceptible to pests and diseases starting medium is moist and encourages to! Accessing the nutrients they need to grow in such environments develop thread-thin that... Or is poor quality stunted compared to this year and almost lost all 100 our... Let your seed starting mix dry out too much when your seedlings? ” m glad you found the helpful! Spurt and get free plans to set up your mini Kratky hydroponics system they get a blows them around they. The lights on and off manually have time to plant applied to lettuce! 85°F, provided that nights are cool variety of lettuce you planted will depend on market., leggy seedlings to 8 inches between each plant your seedlings the light, and by reducing the of. Back and forth along the tops of the plants every day the sun between each plant throughout growing. Soggy salad are 30cm ( 12in ) apart lights with 6000K to 6500K bulbs installed! Survived and are hardened enough now to plant, … thinning lettuce plants irresistible and butterhead lettuce to... That the soil might crush them list of supplies and instructions every few years m very new to gardening i... Is it ’ s best to replace your fluorescent light bulbs every few years or eaten as delicious tender... Wilting/ drooping leaves are most commonly a sign of … how to thin lettuce areas... For indoor starts, sow a few hours of strong light per day well-lived outdoors to water is in garden.