Seedling Trouble

[EricaMarie29]

Hey everyone. First time grower here! So, I planted the these trays about 3 weeks ago... I have green beans (tallest), cucumbers (medium height), tomatoes (thin stringy ones), basil (ity bity ones), and (peppers the smaller ones in the middle). My green beans seem to be doing great. My tomatoes seem like they are dying. Green peppers just sprouted this week, and seem okay. Basil also dying. I have been keeping soil moist. They have been in dark pantry most of day, with a few added hope of sunlight everyday. Im stuck. I don't know what to do next. Should they be re potted? Should they be outside? Help! I live in SW Florida. I have a screened in porch (lanai). And I get about 7 hours of afternoon sun on the lanai.

 

[Chuck]

IMO you should start over. Your seedlings are what is called leggy and they are leggy because of no sunlight. They will not grow out of it. All seedlings as soon as they have germinated need all the sunlight they can get.. Your green beans should be planted where they will be grown, in a container or in the ground. They do not transplant well. On all of the others, you will probably get what is called damping off which will kill the little plant when put in the sun. It only takes a few days for seeds to sprout. Start over and leave you seedling trays out in the sun and keep them slightly moist. If you want to grow something in a dark pantry try mushrooms

 

[EricaMarie29]

Huh. Okay. This is really helpful! I knew something wasnt right. So are you saying, re pot and leave on window sill? Or outside? Its pretty hot here in Florida even in early morning. Do I germinate them in wet paper towel or just plant seed in seeding soil in tray? Can I continue to start them all (except green beans) in a tray like this, with exposure to sunlight right away? After they sprout how often should I water? Should I leave them in sunlight for how long? Thanks.

 

[Chuck]

Huh. Okay. This is really helpful! I knew something wasnt right. So are you saying, re pot and leave on window sill? Or outside? Its pretty hot here in Florida even in early morning. Do I germinate them in wet paper towel or just plant seed in seeding soil in tray? Can I continue to start them all (except green beans) in a tray like this, with exposure to sunlight right away? After they sprout how often should I water? Should I leave them in sunlight for how long? Thanks.

I live in Texas and it is hotter here than there. What I am saying is, is to completely start over. Reseed. Start with the greenbeans. If they are going to be put in the ground plant the seeds in the ground. If you are going to grow them in a large container plant them in the container and space the seeds about 6" apart. I assume these are bush beans? On all the others do what you did before. It will probably be easier to germinate them on a window sill as the soil will not dry as fast as outside. But as soon as they germinate move them outside to somewhere they will be out of the direct afternoon sun but will still get lots of sun. Do not fertilize them until they have at least 2 sets of true leaves and keep them damp, not wet.

 

[EricaMarie29]

Thank you. This is helpful! I will be starting over. Any suggestions regarding what I can use for organic fertilizer?

 

[Whitewolf2578]

Lol man those are some sad looking seedlings. I kept mine in a window to give them enough light. I know I did a good job because I was able to grow six tomato plants from seed and we all know that is a difficult task. You need to get some sunlight on those babies. You should start over though, you learn from your mistakes is what I have learned.