On a few posts now I have seen seedlings being described as leggy. I can understand what this means. But what is the theory behind it ?
thanks
F.
If seedlings shoot up too quickly, due to too much heat or,more often, leaning towards the light when there ismore light fromone side, they end up with long, thin stems and then tend tokeelover with the weight of the leaves. For example I have sometomoatoes with stems that are almost two inches long! One way of avoiding it,which I have used before but didn't this time :(,is to put a sheet offoil behind the trays to reflect the light back.
My problem is that the window sills on one side of my house are too hot and sunny,and on the other side too dark and cold!
Don't know if this helps?
Would this happen in a greenhouse ?
QuoteWould this happen in a greenhouse ?
It could if your seedlings are in the shade.
The key is even exposure to light thats why you might read 'keep your seedlings in good light but not direct sunlight''
If it is too bright and they are exposed to the sun the seedlings might scorch
I rig up some temporary shelving and shading to try an overcome this situation.
(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Greenhouse%20maintenance/GH%202%20210307.JPG)
I tend to use the lower shelves for things that will tolerate shade for a short while.
Once those on the top shelf have established themselves they go out into the coldframe and the stuff from the lower shelves is moved up to the upper shelves.
(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Hardening%20Off/02-%20Seedlings%20hardening%20off%20in%20early%20spring.JPG)
(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Hardening%20Off/04-%20Seedlings%20progressing.JPG)
Cor blimy! Tee Gee thats some plant collection.
I don't think I could get half of that in my garden and half plot.
My compliments to you on being so organised.
How did you get the time to put up the website as well?
regards
Bill