From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Eugene, OR

Hi all. Just a quick question.

I've been working on my seed germination techniques and I've had a really good success rate with regards to germination. However, the seedlings seem to be quite leggy even with the use of a grow light positioned right over the top of the plants. There's not much sun here in the spring so I'll mot likely have to use a grow light in the spring as well, so my question is......

How many and what size grow lights do I need to prevent a leggy plant?

11/23/2003 2:34:03 PM

Greene County, Pa.

I use a four foot bulb fixture that has 4 bulbs in it, each bulb is 40 watts which is 160 total watts. A 2 bulb fixture should be plenty of light also. Make sure you put the lights nomore then 2-3 inches above the plant, that should stop the plants from getting leggy.
Buddy

11/23/2003 3:24:28 PM

Long Island,New York

Dont start the seedling until its 2-3 days from the patch...it will catch up and likely surpass any earlier started seedling....my 2 cents........G

11/23/2003 5:19:00 PM

van isle b.c. canada

i have to agree with glenn, as soon as my seeds pop out of the peat pot they are put either in sun or under agrow light to greenup. as soon as they are green no matter ifthe third leaf is up or not they are put out in the patch in side little green houses. they seem to just keep growing this way. if you keep them in the house under light for too long they seem to go into shock and stop growing for awhile . just my 2 cents .:o) craig

11/23/2003 6:00:11 PM

Applegate, Oregon

I am with Glenn on this one. Get 'em out to the patch. Though, I think it is preferable to see the first true leaf in order to ensure a better chance of positioning the seedling so the main vine goes in a desired direction. This can be especially important for those with limited space, or for those like me with plenty of space who want to "over-populate" a patch...lol. Dale

11/23/2003 10:07:35 PM

ny

Use the right light, Sunlight 100w MH will do for about $100 and give you 10,000 lumens. You would need 10x the number of house hold bulbs to even come close.

11/24/2003 5:11:49 PM

Eugene, OR

All good points. Thanks everyone.

I guess I'll try messing around with different lighting and natural light as well to try and get the best results. Given the shape of my plot, I'm also very concerned with main vine direction so I have to keep them in pots until I can tell which direction the main will grow. Thanks to some people on this site....I know how to do that now! LOL

Happy Holidays,

Brian

11/24/2003 6:57:11 PM

mcminnville oregon

BRIAN: i KNOW A WISEMAN WHO USES AN OSCILATING FAN TO STRENGTHEN THE STEMS ON INDOOR PLANTS???? AS MENTIONED PUMPKINS ARE OUTDOOR PLANTS!!!!!

1/21/2004 11:03:24 PM

Long Island,New York

Dave...so I guess we should nibble on them and step on them while seedlings indoors too?...so they're ready for the usual treatment when they get outside?...lol

1/22/2004 8:50:27 AM

Montoursville, PA

Whew....OK get the light you have closer. Down to an inch. Stick your hand in there for a couple of minutes. If it does not fry the back of your hand you will be fine.

I would not throw a fan into a tender beginning plant and have never read anywhere where this practice was commonly used. Drying out soft fast growing tender seedlings just does not sound good to me.

The minute they hit the garden they are or should be wind and temperature protected under the cold frames. There is plenty of hardening off time while under cover or wind protection in the patch.

1/22/2004 10:01:19 AM