Tall seedlings?

[Mustard]

I have planted a few seeds on windowsill propagators (not heated), exept for my various types of tomatoes everything seems to growing very tall and not really filling out.
Am I doing something wrong?
The seeds I'm having this problem with are Radishes, Lettuces etc.

Thanks

[lynda66]

it's caused by not enough sunlight, the plants grow long and straggly to reach the best light i think you can plant your radishes and lettuces out at this time of year, someone will correct me if i'm wrong

[rogesse]

You could try home made light boxes - cut a box in half diagonally along the short end and cover the triangular halves in silver foil. One side will be open. Put seed trays/pots inside and the plants don't lean towards the light. I have found it works wonders for a window sill but not in a conservatory - I've nearly fried my early tomatoes!

[dexterdoglancashire]

I tried with cucumbers, tomatoes and um, er something else in february. They all went leggy and stringy. Its because there wasn't enough light - I ended up throwing them all away and starting again. A long, stringy seedling won't produce a strong plant. Good idea about the growing boxes - shall remember for next time.

[Flummery]

Personally I wouldn't sow lettuce and radish on a windowsill. They cope perfectly well ourdoors in the cool. I use the windowsill for stuff like toms and peppers, and later in the year for squashes and such. Salad stuff and the cabbage family don't need heat and you will always get leggy plants if you use it. Be a bit more brutal!

[DIG4VICTORY]

Thanks for the tip Flummery, I have noticed my lettuce shoots starting to look a little stringy and they have only just started sprouting.. or is this normal for them to look this way? Am i jumping the gun a little.. i might move them outside now...

[Flummery]

The all look a bit lanky when you only have the seed leaves. You can safely sow them in the ground now though. They aren't all that tender.

[Alice]

Mustard, your seedlings are too warm and not getting enough light. Put them outside if you can and bring them in at night for the first few nights.
When you transplant them plant them right up to their seed leaves (the first leaves which appeared) and that will get rid of the legginess. The seed leaves will turn yellow and die so don't worry about that. Good luck.