One Hundred Dollar a Month reader, Vicky, recently asked me a question about the seedlings she started indoors. Her problem is so common, I thought I’d answer her question in a post, in case anyone else is experiencing the same thing this time of year. She writes,
Hello Mavis, I started seeds for the first time this year. They grew long and spindly. I grew them indoors under a plastic little make shift greenhouse tray that I purchased. Is there any hope for my long spindly veggies ( cucumber tomatoes zucchini and peppers)HELP!!!
Vicky
This is a super common problem. The plants grow tall and spindly {usually called leggy} and the stems look weak and thin. It is almost always caused by too little light.
I used to have this problem before I started using a grow light. Unless you have a window with amazing direct sunlight, plants tend to do this. My suggestion would be to get a grow light and finish them off under there.
That will fortify them a bit over the next month before you plant. If a grow light is an absolute no, you may want to “chase the sun” in your house. Move your plants throughout the day to ensure that they have direct, steady sunlight all day long.
Even if you can’t completely reverse their growing patter with more light, the good news is that even leggy plants have hope. They can typically rally once planted outside–though, be aware, they will not be as strong as non-leggy plants.
The wind will be their biggest enemy as their stems are simply not as strong to withstand it. You may want to protect them from inclement weather outside until they have grown stronger.
Have any of you ever dealt with leggy seedlings? How did your garden ultimately turn out?
~Mavis
Pam says
My mom used to take empty toilet paper rolls (and/or paper towel rolls cut in half) and put them around the seedlings. It helped give them support right after planting and a bit of additional protection. After a few rains the rolls will start to unravel but by then – hopefully – your seedlings will be stronger. I’ve used this a time or two with my pepper plants and it’s helped.
Tra says
Leggy tomatoes and peppers are not a problem. Just bury them with most of the leggy stem and some leaves beneath the ground and only a couple leaves sticking out at the surface. The stem beneath the surface will turn into roots and make for a strong plant. I bury all my tomatoes and other nightshades deep even when they have strong stems with great results.
For other leggy seedlings, I agree with Pam’s toilet paper roll method. I have done this with leggy cabbage and broccoli starts. Added benefit- it protects the young seedlings from cut worms!
Joy says
This is my second year starting seeds under grow lights and they are still tall. They have never looked like the ones I see at the garden center but they have always made it once they are outside. I’ve always wondered why mine are leggy since I keep the grow lights no more than a couple of inches from the plants at all times. I guess it works out in the end anyway. The good thing about tomato plants is that you should plant 3/4 of the plant anyways so that roots will develop along the part you planted. That only leaves a small part sticking out when you plant them so that helps.
PattyB says
Hi Joy… this year I experimented with a new thing … something I’m always doing. I take some cardboard boxes, cut them down and include the crease between the tops and the sides. I use this to have an upright wall and a section that supports the wall… like an “L” shape. Then I measure how long I need it and bend it to fit the table my seedlings sit on. Then put some aluminum foil on the inside part [I tape it] so that it will reflect the light to the sides of your seedlings. This really helps. I have a picture of what I did but I don’t know how to send it to you if you want to see.
Joy says
You described it so well I can picture it. That sounds like a great idea! Thanks!
Connie Murray says
Hello Mavis — love your blog — very interesting and fun! I start my seedlings (called “seedies” by my kids when they were little) under grow lights but they usually get kinda leggy. After a couple of weeks under the grow lights they are stuck in the “green” house which is made of plastic for further growth and hardening off. Last year I planted my tomato seeds so late that I wound up using the seedlings I found growing in the green house (I had dumped some compost in there earlier in the year). I planted a half dozen of the most stocky tomatoes seedies growing there and had lots and lots of cherry tomatoes. This year, I planted earlier so hopefully I will have a little more control over the types of tomatoes we get (we like all tomatoes but especially love beefsteaks). Keep up the good work! Enjoy your posts!
Robin says
Hi Mavis, I have had leggy seedlings in the past also and have heard to have them near a window that you can let a slight breeze in, if the weather is warm enough, to get their stems strong. Have also heard that you can use an indoor fan on the lowest setting, put far enough away that it throws a “slight breeze” on them. Hope this helps. Good luck to everyone’s gardening this year!!!
randi says
I use grow lights and still was getting the leggy veggies and flowers. I put a fan that blows indirectly around them which helps to bulk them up so when I harden them off they are a bit stronger.
Tisha says
Zucchini is generally a fast enough grower that even in a shorter growing season like mine, direct sowing in the ground is feasible, and because of their tap root, they do not like transplanting. Cucumbers often fall into the same category of a plant that is just as easy to sow in the ground. That means you can save the babying and lights for the plants that need it more.
Vicky says
Thanks a bunch Mavis, and all of you kind friends. I will take your suggestions and use them. I will keep you updated. AGAIN I THANK YOU!!
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Just bury the tomatoes deep. It will feel like you are backtracking at first because they will be so much shorter. But in the end you will win because the plant will have MUCH stronger roots and will grow so much healthier. Ditto for pepper plants.
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile