Would like to try to start my veggie plants from seeds. Best way to do this?
fiestyredhead asked:
We have a little homemade greenhouse set up. We’d like to try to start our vegetable garden from seeds this year rather than buying the plants. But we have a heck of a time getting them going. They seem to grow really fast, skinny and tall. Need some advice on what is the best way to do start from seeds. And then how to make them nice strong healthy plants to be transplanted into the garden.
We have a little homemade greenhouse set up. We’d like to try to start our vegetable garden from seeds this year rather than buying the plants. But we have a heck of a time getting them going. They seem to grow really fast, skinny and tall. Need some advice on what is the best way to do start from seeds. And then how to make them nice strong healthy plants to be transplanted into the garden.
You need grow lights and more heat. I use a heated mat under the seeds. That is what most commercial greenhouses use.
growing tall and skinny means that it needs more light. tomatoes grow well from seed. the important thing is to not let them dry out and keep them warm. and get good quality seeds the best of which are obtained in the western U.S. where there are fewer diseases and pest to infect your seeds. also many colleges offer help on the subject such as clemson at hgic.clemson.edu.
it sounds like the plants aren’t getting enough sunlight. you could augment it with fluorescents about 1″ from the plants, or try to fix the problem with a better location of your greenhouse. or your starting soil mix could have too much fertiliser, which will have a similar effect, and also will promote damping-off disease. try using a sterile mix specifically made for starting seeds.(most garden centers and catalogs carry it) hope this helps, good luck.
They are skinny and tall because they are reaching for more light……and it should be around 80 degrees in the greenhouse. You may want to harden them off before planting into the garden….do this by putting them outside in a semi-shaded area for 10 days.