It's a pity for seedlings when they stretch out, as if they want to escape from the windowsill.
Long, frail stems break, cannot withstand transplantation, and instead of a lush harvest, produce only disappointment.
Why does this happen? The problem is improper care.
There is little light – the seedlings suffer. They reach for the window, bend, and lose strength.
If the day is short, you cannot do without additional lighting. The lamps should work 12-14 hours a day.
Important! Regular lamps are not suitable, they heat the air, but do not provide the necessary spectrum. It is better to choose phytolamps or fluorescent lamps.
It's hot - the seedlings stretch out. Optimum temperature:
1. 20-22 °C – during the day,
2. 16-18 °C – at night.
At the germination stage, the temperature can even be reduced to 14-16 °C so that the stems do not grow too quickly.
You shouldn’t place containers on a warm radiator – the roots will overheat and the upper part of the plant will start to grow quickly.
Overwatering weakens the root system. Watering should be moderate.
Only warm, settled water is used. It is better to moisten the soil as the top layer dries out, and not according to a schedule.
Stagnant moisture is dangerous: the roots rot and the stems become weak. Containers must have drainage holes to drain excess water.
If the seeds are sown too densely, the plants will interfere with each other.
Lack of space is a direct path to thin stems. Each sprout needs space. If the seedlings are already dense, they are immediately picked.
Weak seedlings often suffer from a lack of nutrients. Fertilize, but wisely. The main stages of feeding:
1. appearance of the first true leaves – complex fertilizers with nitrogen;
2. after 10-14 days – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers;
3. A week before transplanting – potassium fertilizers to strengthen the stems.
Organic matter, such as ash infusion, can be used instead of mineral fertilizers.
A sharp change in conditions is stressful for plants. To avoid this, seedlings begin to harden off two weeks before planting.
They are taken out onto the balcony or into the greenhouse, gradually increasing the time spent in the fresh air.
