Stroking

[sandersj89]

Is any one using the “stroking” method on their seedlings of things like Peppers, Tomatoes, Aubergines, etc?

I am stroking my seedlings at least twice a day for a few seconds and am interested if it makes any difference. It is meant to increase the strength of the plant simulating a breeze blowing around them and flexing their stems.

Not done it before but thought it can't hurt!

Jerry

[sandersj89]

[wivvles]

I did a research project on this many years ago back in my student (pre allotment) days.  The process is known as "Thigmomorphogenesis" - basically, the response of plant growth to touch stimulus.  As Jerry says, the process is meant to replicate the conditions of a breeze, thus the plant grows sturdier and shorter - and is better suited to transplanting out (essentially it's a form of hardening off, but practiced much earlier).  Basically the cells in the stem have thicker cell walls, so are stronger.

This is the first year that I've seriously grown my own seedlings for transplanting out, and I've been using a piece of paper to gently brush the seedlings every night.  As I recall, if you have the capability, a fan GENTLY blowing across the trays of seedlings is supposed to be better as it also increases evaporation and encourages the leaves to produce thicker cuticles.

[moonbells]

I stroke my cabbage seedlings to stop them getting too leggy as it's a north-facing conservatory. Seems to work nicely: currently they have their first true leaves growing and are <2" tall.  I'm waiting for a couple more to germinate and then it's the cold frame for them. Should get nice compact plants.

moonbells

[Svea]

hmm, when i saw the topic headline i was thinking of something else entirely...:P

[Jesse]

Yes Jerry, I've been stroking my seedlings and also blowing at them to imitate a gentle breeze (I must be nuts!). They are doing really well and the stems are quite thick and not leggy at all. My vote is that it works.

[Marianne]

I'm glad you said that Svea ! LOL 
That was my first initial thought too  ::) ;D

[tim]

Masses about it on the net.

I like the use of paper - more gentle than my hands!

Must get the fan out - thanks for the reminder.

[aquilegia]

How long do you need to do each one for for it to be effective?

[Doris_Pinks]

I have been stroking my toms ths year. They are the healthiest looking brood I have ever had....................and are way ahead of the ones I decided not to stroke, just to see what happened. In fact the are so ahead I am beginning to panic they will outgrow my conservatory and it will be too cold to put them in the greenhouse! DP
Aqui I was just running my hands back and forth (twice) over them twice a day

[aquilegia]

Ooh - thanks Doris. I was thinking I'd have to spend the whole evening stroking my seedlings!

[Mimi]

Me too. Never did it before I found this site and got the advice from others last year.  Have to say that it does produce a healthier seedling.  Not only stroking them but talking too... Mad Mad yes we are all Mad   ::)  ;) ::)

[Marianne]

 ::) mmmmhhhhh!! Well I am going to have a go at it too !!

I heard Charles of Windsor talks to his plants but I didn't know everyone else did it too !!

;D

[wardy]

I've got that The Allotment DVD and there's an old Yemeni guy on there on his allotment, in his very successful looking polytunnel, and he says he visits his plants each morning and has a chat with them and asks them nicely to grow for him  :)  He had a very gentle, soothing voice.  Perhaps that's the key. 

His plants looked fantastic so hey you've nothing to lose
;D

I shall go right now and have another chat with my runty little seedling that's failing to develop

[Debs]

Question for DP...

"IS YOU TOM HAPPY WITH THIS COURSE OF ACTION??"

Hee Hee ;D ;D

Debs

[Doris_Pinks]

Very!  ;)

[kitty]

oo-wardy?
whats that dvd then and where did you get it please?
stroking?
stroking?????
is this just a gentle passing of the hand over the collective tops or each individual seedling...???

mutter.....got a lot to learn...mutter mutter.....
kitty ;D
x

[ina]

Wasn't it Tim last year who posted pictures of stroked and unstroked seedlings? The difference was remarkable. Tim, if it was you, can you post them again please?

[kitty]

ooo-yes please-i'd like to see the difference!
kitty
x

[moonbells]

::) mmmmhhhhh!! Well I am going to have a go at it too !!

I heard Charles of Windsor talks to his plants but I didn't know everyone else did it too !!

;D

I like Alan TItchmarsh's take on talking to plants.  He points out that anyone who picks up a plant and chats to it invariably *looks* closely at it, sees if it's got any pests or problems, and does something it if has.  So tends to have healthier plants. Anyone watching would just see someone talking to the greenery, rather than actually taking notice of plant health...

moonbells

[tim]

Sadly, Ina - didn't keep the link.  But I've got my fan in.

Ooh - looks empty - but all the seedlings are this end!!