spindly seedlings

[Anton]

A question about seedlings. I start many of my plants off in paper pots in my attic (the only space I have as all the other window ledges are full) and they all start off well but then become extremely lanky. Is there anything I can do to alter this and do I need to wait for the first "true" leaf to arrive before planting out? I presently have parsnips, New Zealand spinach, kohlrabi, runner beans and tomato seedlings in pots in the attic.

Anton

[Thelma Sanders]

How much light do they get?

[Tripmeup]

They are reaching for light Anton, so you have them too far away from that source..can you get them closer to a light source?

[Anton]

Thanks for your replies, yes they are probably reaching out for the light, but I did not notice they were so spindly in previous years, maybe because it has been a colder spring!

Anton

[veggiechicken]

Once they've germinated they need the best light you can give them. They need to be as close to the window as possible. If you can't give them good light, you may as well not sow!

[Scarlet]

Parsnip doesn't transplant well and can be sown outdoors from March so there's little benefit in sowing indoors when you haven't got enough suitable space. Runner brands can also be sown direct outside now too. Better off having strong healthy plants with a later harvest than spindly weak specimens.

As it's been colder you may have had the heating on a bit more, the extra warmth indoors hasn't helped.