Lanky Seedlings

[DaisyDiamond]

Having previously bought most my veggie plants/herbs I really want to grow my own from seed. Last year's attempts resulted in very spindly seedlings and this year's attempts so far seem to be heading the same way.

The seeds have been sown in cleaned pots, new compost and are on a SE facing kitchen windowsill, covered with clear plastic. The first shoots appeared yesterday and this morning they are already an inch tall so it seems I am heading in the same direction as last year.

If anyone can suggest why they are so lanky, and what needs to be done to get healthier seedlings, I would be grateful - or if anyone is aware of an idiots guide to growing from seed anywhere?

Thank you

[HotStuff]

Most likely cause is not enough sunlight, are they leaning towards the window? What is it that you've sown? If it's Chillis or toms then you can just plant them deeper when you pot them on, not sure about other veg.

[DaisyDiamond]

Thanks. They are leaning towards the window. I have started with Dill and Parsley but wanted to see what I am doing wrong before I sow a lot of other stuff this weekend.

So if there is not enough light on the windowsill - would standing them on foil or something similar help?

[FionaH]

Or you could wait another month, clocks change soon

[HotStuff]

Making a foil reflector might stop them leaning, but it is only the middle of February so you can't expect that much sunlight.

Actually, I read on here recently that a white surface is better than foil, but I haven't tried it myself.

The only things I've sown so far this year are Chillies, which need a long growing season.

[Flummery]

Generally lanky seedlings are getting too much warmth or not enough light. This is really early to be sowing much unless you can give them optimum conditions. I'd wait till half-past March and try again. It'll make loads of difference. Also, take lids off propagators or remove poly bags as soon as the first seedlings show.

[stella]

At this time of year I only start seeds that are a bit hardier, parsley is one of them. What I shall do this weekend is pot on the stronger looking parsley into bigger pots and bury them quite deep. Take off any covers and put into a cooler room with plenty of light. In the past I have found this works fine. Good luck

[Two_Sheds]

way, way, way too early. Try again late March

[DaisyDiamond]

Thanks for all the advice. I was going by the sowing information on the seed packets so thought there was a bit I could be starting but obviously for my conditions I was just being too eager!! I have some Chilli's to try so I can use them to see if all your tips help!