Can leggy plants be saved?

rob.emenaker 3/8/2010, 11:48 am

I am growing my second flat of seeds indoors and in the last couple of days, my seedlings have shot up and are inordinately tall. One even fell over and broke as a result Sad

I know what my problem is. I constructed a grow light with a fluorescent grow bulb and I should probably add a full-spectrum daylight bulb to that as well. Also, I have the bulb way too high...I am guessing 9" or 10" and I need to move it down. So I know how to remedy the issue I think, but what do I do about my seedlings? Is there something I can do to help them now?

Thanks...
Rob Emenaker
http://robssfg.com

plb 3/8/2010, 12:00 pm

I'm having the same problem, I'm looking forward to expert advice... From what I read, some plants I think can be salvaged, for others if you have time it might be better to restart and make sure you get healthy, strong plants. For instance there is advice to plant cabbages just below the bottom leaves, which makes me think you can salvage those by planting them deep when you move them to their final place. But I've seen the opposite advice for broccoli (i.e. do not plant it lower than it was originally) so probably those cannot be salvaged.

Retired Member 1 3/8/2010, 1:44 pm

If they are small seedlings, I use toothpicks or bamboo skewers to help hold them erect. Most plants can be planted deeper than they grow in the flats, especially tomatoes and peppers. Don't know about the brassicas. Oops - be back with more reply -- thunderstorm rolling in and I need to cut off computer.

rob.emenaker 3/8/2010, 1:46 pm

Yeah the broccoli is the "leggiest" at about 2-3", but the rest are salvageable I think. I have the day off tomorrow and I am going to build a brand spanking new seed-starting shelf with plenty of adjustable light. I am learning as I go, but so far I am having a total blast with this.

Retired Member 1 3/8/2010, 4:09 pm

I spoke to a professional greenhouse owner a couple of weeks ago and he said most plants will get leggy under most grow lights. He told me to put them outside anytime we have a sunny day above 40 degrees.

I do use lights, and I've had the best luck with the 23 - 27 watt compact twist fluorescent that are rated 6500K placed in brooder reflective light fixtures. They seem to put out more light than the flourescent tubes. I place the lights no more than 2" above the plants. I currently have 4 of these light fixtures almost touching each other above two flats in a south facing window, so some light gets in that way as well.

I was unable to find 6500K bulbs locally, so purchased on-line, but the larger stores probably have them.

SirTravers 3/10/2010, 3:17 pm

another thing that helps with seedlings is using a cold frame. Once your seedlings get their first or second set of leaves you can move them into a cold frame. This will allow them to get real sunlight and provide a moderate temperature so they don't freeze or overheat. That way your seedlings can harden off and you have more room to start new seedlings indoors.... Ooooh a Square Foot Cold Frame!!!! The gears are turning now. Can leggy plants be saved? Icon_cool

boffer 3/10/2010, 3:48 pm

I like your thinking...

I'm currently in the middle of an experiment:

Modified SFG vs. cold frame

I planted the same seeds on the same day in each one on 2/20

The differences are stark already. I promised myself I would wait 30 days from planting to post pics. I'm excited about my design and what I may be able to do with it.

SirTravers 3/10/2010, 4:02 pm

30 Days?!......1......um...1......stil 1......ACK!!!!!
Put a webcam on em! Grass growing might be boring but garden stuff growing is quality entertainment!

boffer 3/10/2010, 4:05 pm

LOL only 10 days to go!

plb 3/11/2010, 7:45 am

Here's what the Harrod Horticultural website in the UK has to make an SFG into a cold frame or almost a greenhouse:
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/search/product/Plant+Protection_Cloches/GCF-050.htm
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/search/product/New_Products/GNE-103.htm

Both are removable, I'm thinking I might buy the PVC cover one... I bought the raised beds from them, with removable hoops and insect mesh cover, and they seem very good.
They don't mention SFG in their website, but their measuments are perfect for SFG beds.
I thought it might give some ideas to the US guys...

boffer 3/11/2010, 11:32 am

plb,
you're right, those look perfect for a SFG. But if I had that kind of money, I'd go on a cruise!

plb 3/11/2010, 11:56 am

Boffer, if you're good at DIY you can take inspiration and build them yourself. Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at DIY and either I buy stuff or I do without!

miinva 3/15/2011, 1:31 pm

I know this is an old thread, but I'm wondering, did Boffer ever post the results of the experiment? If so, I'd love to know where Smile

countrynaturals 11/16/2019, 2:59 pm

Retired Member 1 wrote:I spoke to a professional greenhouse owner a couple of weeks ago and he said most plants will get leggy under most grow lights. He told me to put them outside anytime we have a sunny day above 40 degrees.

BUMP!

OhioGardener 11/16/2019, 4:35 pm

The reason they normally get leggy is either because they did not have a fan blowing across them with a light breeze to stimulate them, or they were too far away from the light source (16 on, 8 off).

**sanderson** 11/17/2019, 3:12 am

**Scorpio Rising** 11/20/2019, 6:31 pm

In my experience it is always the lights (too far away, failing lights). But I do the fan thing.
Sunshine always heal them.

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