seed question

[Mrs Ava]

Why do some seedlings not want to drop the old seed cases, and should you remove it?  Some of my tom seedlings still have the case holding the 2 seed leaves together and the new 'true' leaves are struggling to come through and almost look distorted.   Thanks oh wise and wonderful ones.  ;D

[Mrs Ava]

[Sparky]

Oh I think I read something about that on the tomato website someone recommended on the produce board the other day.  Will see if i can find it again!!

Sparky

[tim]

Courgettes & cus are the worst for that. Right or wrong, I always ease the case off - if it seems willing! Otherwise, I'm sure nature wolud take it's course. = Tim

[aquilegia]

Mine have been doing that too. I find they come off very easily with careful use of the finger nails - just pick them off - doesn't damage the plant.

[Garden Manager]

I read/heard somewhere that this happens when the atmosphere is dry, and a more humid atmosphere will prevent the problem. Is theis true? If so i dont think my seeds know about it, since the atmosphere in my propagator is quite damp (having to wipe the cover down regularly to remove excess), yet many of the seed cases are staying resolutely on the leaves of the seedlings.

[The gardener]

I keep a cheap pair of tweezers at the ready for such occasions, saves causing damage with my big finger and thumb.

Hold the seed leaves with one finger and thumb and pluck the seed casing off with the tweezers in the other hand.

[jethro]

If you spinkle a little bit of fine 'silica' sand over the top of the seed tray it pulls the seed case off when they grow through with it's abrasiveness (big word for me eh?)  ;D.

[Fingle....]

Pressing problems eh ??

[jethro]

 Hi Fingle, Only with the extreme ironing   ;D ;)