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If it looks like your seedlings keep getting taller (and weaker) as they stretch toward the light, read on to learn my simple tips and tricks for fixing your leggy seedlings before it’s too late.
Seedlings have a natural tendency to grow toward light. When the light source is too dim or too far away, the seedlings kick into survival mode and grow quickly in height to try to get closer to that light.
As soon as the seeds germinate, they respond to the heat by putting up tall, skinny stems before leaf production has a chance to catch up. This results in unbalanced seedlings that are “all legs.”
If you’re inconsistent with watering and the seed starting mix often dries out between watering days, it prevents the seedling from growing a strong stem and leafing out well.
With tiny seeds, it’s tempting to simply scatter them in one large tray and thin the seedlings as they grow, but proper spacing helps prevents leggy seedlings as well.
Leggy seedlings can sometimes be strengthened and saved by gently brushing your fingers back and forth along the tops of the plants every day.
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