Fertilizing vegetable seedlings windows#

The ideal time to transplant young seedlings is when they are small and there is little danger of setback from root shock.One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is leaving seedlings in the seed flat too long.“pricking out” or “transplanting up”) into a larger individual container to give them proper growing space. If plants have not been seeded in individual containers, they must be potted up (a.k.a.Potting up seedlings to larger containers (transplanting) After germination, seedlings can be given somewhat cooler conditions, with a 55-60☏ night temperature and a 65-70☏ day reading.Most potting mixes contain enough fertilizer to grow a seedling for 5-6 weeks.

Hold back on fertilizing your seedlings.The “ damping-off ” fungi, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, can quickly kill a container of seedlings if the growing media is kept too wet. If an infection occurs, dispose of the plants and growing medium, wash containers and tools to remove any debris, and soak them for 1-2 minutes in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Then rinse with clean water. If your containers are saturated with water, the roots will stop growing and pathogenic fungi that like wet soil can infect your plants. The goal is to keep the root systems supplied with water and oxygen.Water to keep the growing media moist, but not wet.Wait until the top of your growing medium is nearly dry before watering. You can either apply water to the surface or allow your growing medium to wick up water by setting your containers on a shallow pan. Lack of uniform watering, overwatering, and drying out are problems associated with seeding care.Tomato seedlings stretched from lack of light Water Pepper, eggplant, and lettuce will stay compact. Tomato and cabbage family plants are prone to stretch toward the light.Attaching the thin chain or wire to either end of your light fixture will allow you to raise and lower the tubes. This will increase light intensity and keep plants stocky and strong. Place your plants 1-2” beneath a fluorescent fixture for 14 to 16 hours a day. Fluorescent light fixtures and tubes are the best choices for growing seedlings indoors.

Fertilizing vegetable seedlings windows#

Acceptable plant growth usually only occurs in south-facing bay windows or solariums.

Plant stems usually stretch and lean towards the light and will not produce sturdy plants. Natural light from a window is seldom enough for good, strong seedling growth. After germination, seedlings require strong light from grow lights.Growing and care of vegetable seedlings (transplants)Īfter starting seeds indoors, follow these tips and guidelines for good care of your young plants.