Topic: No more leggy seedlings?

[Georgie]

I've just read that reseach has indicated that gently brushing the tops of seedlings can prevent them from becoming leggy.  Apparently you only need to do it twice a day by simply flicking over the tips of the seedlings with a sheet of paper.  Has anyone tried this?  Does it work?

G xx

[fluffygrue]

Hmm, dunno. I read somewhere to do that, but to induce stronger root growth. Maybe it diverts energy to growing roots rather than upwards?

(Doesn't seem to have helped my tomatoes, though!)

Melanie

[Georgie]

According to the article it is supposed to imitate the effect of natural air movement which helps to keep the stems sturdy.  Sturdy stems suggests healthy roots so maybe there's something in it?

G xx

[Svea]

i kinda did this last year - i stroked my seed trays once or twice a day
certainly the stuff didnt grow too leggy, considering the trays were kept on window sills right above radiators (so top territory for leggy growth)

i did however pot them on sensibly and move them to cooler spots when they really started taking off - so maybe it's just wishful thinking for me.

but, they do do this in japan, commercially. it's the equivalent of hardening off, as it stimulated wind movement

[Georgie]

Interesting, Svea, thanks for that.  Sounds like it's worth a go then.  I did wonder whether it was an early April fool.   ;)

G xx

[sandersj89]

I do this every year, and a fan heater in the greenhouse helps the air movement too.

I just run my hands over the seedlings 3 or 4 times a day when ever I can.

Seems to work and you also get up close to your plants so you spot any problems early on.

Jerry

[Mrs Ava]

I stroke them, talk to them, shout at them, sing to them, sneeze over them, drop them, over water them, under water them and mollycoddle them, and I haven't heard them complaining yet!  ;D

[loulou]

i told my eldest last year she had to tell them what she had done  at nursery when she came home so that they would grow and bless her she did and she got big veg  ;D at picking time well happy she was so this year its sing songs to them i think if nothing else she gives everyone a laugh  ;D trying to remember the words

[jennym]

This came up in another post too, one of the tutors I had did it, and I do it now too, it doesn't do any harm.

[flowerlady]

I think this is fascinating.  I had no idea that this treatment could have such an effect :D

Now whenever I am delayed in getting all my seedlings potted on I shall have to be extra attentive, thank you  :)

[robkb]

If I remember correctly, there's a bit in the HDRA Encyclopaedia of Organic Gardening which recommends this! Might have to give it a go this year, but only when the neighbours aren't looking - they already think I'm slightly cracked for having a lotty... (they're wrong, of course!).

Cheers,
Rob ;)

[flowerlady]

Just wait till they see you talking to your plants  ;D ;D ;D

[Curryandchips]

The stuff I am growing in a light position at work appears ok, but slightly on the leggy side. Since I am not stroking them (yet) perhaps that is the reason. I will certainly be aware of this now, and see if I can discern any difference.

[Jitterbug]

I got some peat pellets at a nursery this year - The only thing I have planted in it is some aubergine and the plants took slightly longer to come out but they look very healthy and are not etoiled at all.   :(I am just sorry that I did not put my tomato seeds in them as well.  I transplanted my tomato seedling yesterday and they are looking long and pathetic.  Lets see how many make it - that will teach me for sowing too early. :'(

I am not sure if it is the peat pellets that have made the difference - all other conditions windowsill above radiator, foil at back of each cold propagator etc the same.  What do you think?

[jennym]

I don't think the peat will have anything to do with the plants becoming etiolated or not, as I believe it's the way the plant reacts to light, or the lack of it, that causes etiolation.

[Columbus]

Hi all,

I remembered these threads from last year. If you type "stroking seedlings" into the search engine they`ll come up.

Col