I sowed these about a week and a half ago (kale, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, and tomatoes) and they all look super leggy.
I'm in zone 4a so might have started a week or so early but this is my first time growing from seed and I'm still learning
Should I keep the light & dome on and let them keep going or pot them up to something bigger (thinking I'll use solo cups)?
Any advice is appreciated!
by dimplezcz
6 Comments
You should distinguish between your warm season and cool season vegetables. Kale, cabbage, and broccoli all prefer cooler weather and depending on your zone could be put directly outdoors to get started.
Cucumbers and tomatoes are warm season plants. You may have started too early depending on your zone.
If you are a first time gardener, I’d suggest going with starters from a local nursery rather than growing from seed (at least for things like tomatoes). If you want to grow from seed, try spinach or something more forgiving.
Go to your state agricultural university website and look for resources on growing veg in your state. They will have resources specific to you.
Good luck!
I would try investing in a cheap grow light (you can get some decent LED bars that attach with screws, stickum or zip ties on Amazon under 20 bucks) and try your setup again with new seed. I think you will be surprised at the difference having a strong light just a few inches from the seedlings will make!
Maybe start again, they’ve gone far too leggy due to lack of light.
tomatoes can be saved, bury them very deep (almost to leaves) and put them in a light spot.
everything else I would recommend to start again
Start over and move the light closer
I have saved leggy brassicas by potting up in solo cups just like you said. Unfortunately, I think that these are too far gone. I’d start over with more light.