GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Starting seedlings is such a fun thing to do in spring — but not so much if they aren’t growing so well.
These are the top three things that go wrong with seedlings and how to fix them.
1. Your soil has white mold.
This is a moisture issue. Water less and from the bottom — rather than pouring water over the top of your plants — by filling the bottom tray and letting the soil soak up the water.
Dump off any extra that doesn’t soak in, and consider having a fan blow on your seedlings, which can help, too, and make for strong stems!
2. Your seedlings are “leggy.”
Leggy is a term for seedlings that have very tall stems with very few leaves. This is a light issue.
Your tiny plants are stretching toward the light because they are not getting enough of it. If you are using a grow light, lower it closer to the plants. It should be just a couple inches above the seedlings.
If you are using a window, move them to one with more sun, and if that’s not an option, purchase a grow light. In some cases it’s probably best to start over again with new seeds.
3. Your seedlings are “damping off.”
This is a mold or fungus issue. Tiny plants are susceptible to disease.
If certain molds or fungi are present in your soil or on your containers, it will quickly spread to kill seedlings. Having adequate light, the right amount of water and enough heat can help prevent the issue, but if you already have the problem, it’s best to replant with sterilized containers and new, high-quality potting soil.
Clean your tools, too!
Growing plants from seed certainly isn’t fool proof — it takes some skill and practice. Gardening is about constantly learning.
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.
Watch more of Grow with KARE:
Watch the latest gardening tips and tricks in our YouTube playlist and don't forget to join the Grow with KARE Facebook group: