Q&A

DEAR NEW FARM:

I recently happened upon your site. It is full of great information! I am into my second year of greenhouse growing and I could really use some advice. I am currently growing annuals, but when I mist my seedlings some of them are falling over. The trays are under plant lights and appear very healthy. Temperature and humidity are at the appropriate levels. My seedlings are growing like crazy, so I’m not sure why some of them are falling over. There is no leaf problem, and the potting mix does not appear to be too moist or too dry. I'm really at loss. Any information and/or advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you,
Jeryl McComas
Irish Meadow Greenhouse
Ohio

DEAR JERYL:

We asked our two greenhouse gurus, April Johnson and Eileen Weinsteiger, to weigh in on this one. Here’s what they had to say:

“I think the problem might be that the plants are getting leggy stretching for light. Move light closer and move them up as they grow. It could also be the mist making the plant leaves heavy and then droop. And it could be a combination of both. Remember, always keep seedlings moist, not wet.

Good luck,
April

“Water the seedlings at the soil level and, because the seedlings are growing too rapidly, lower the temperature. This should help with the problem.”

Eileen

NF

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