Seedlings not growing(pics)

[Southern Gardener]

I started seeds almost 3 weeks ago - the did germinate, but they just are not growing. Could it be the lights I bought are not the correct kind? Here is the info on them:

Philips 32W 4Ft. T8 Natural Sunshine Linear Fluorescent Light Bulb

Philips offers a wide variety of products to meet your lighting needs. Philips Natural Sunshine fluorescent bulbs are perfect for any room in the home where bright, white light is desired. The bulbs are designed for general purpose lighting needs.

Light Output: 2,950 Lumens
Energy used: 32 watts
Life Hours: 30,000 Hours
Fluorescent bulbs with ALTO(r) technology contain less mercury than standard fluorescent bulbs and are better for the environment
This product is also sold in stores as a 2pk.

The temp stays between 65 - 70 degrees. Just not sure what's going on here.

 

[patandchickens]

What stage are they at -- just 'seed leaves' (cotyledons), or are there true leaves yet, or what? (And, what kind of plants are these?)

It *does* take most plants a while to really get going, they sort of sit there in neutral for a little while, so there is not *necessarily* a problem.

If they are getting unduly 'stretchy' and spindly and tall, that would indicate inadequate light. If they're not, their light is likely just fine.

What are they growing in? If it is a seed-starting medium or peat or a peat mix, it does not have enough nutrients to sustain growth for very long, and may require a very very dilute fertilizer solution when you water, once the seedlings have their first true leaves.

Those are the most relevant things I can think of.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Southern Gardener]

Hey Pat, I was hoping you would reply!

They just have their seed leaves now and not getting stretchy.

They are growing in peat pots - 3x3 and they dry out quickly!

Ferry-Morse seedling starter mix.

They are tomato plants:

Creole, Brandywine, Betteryboy

Thanks.

 

[vfem]

Hey Pat, I was hoping you would reply!

They just have their seed leaves now and not getting stretchy.

They are growing in peat pots - 3x3 and they dry out quickly!

Ferry-Morse seedling starter mix.

They are tomato plants:

Creole, Brandywine, Betteryboy

Thanks.

Some of mine only have their first set of leaves, and some were planted 8 weeks ago.

Some have 2-3 sets and were planted at the same time. Some just sat in neutral for awhile, so I wouldn't worry so early on. Like Pat said.

 

[Southern Gardener]

Thanks vfem - I hope it's not 100 degrees out by the time they can be transplanted!

 

[silkiechicken]

The bulbs should be fine. I use pretty similar lights. The same T8 philips, but in cool white. I have 4 bulbs over a 2x4 grow shelf and tomato plants do great under it. Like you're seeing though, they do sit around a bit before really starting to grow. As soon as they get their first set of true leaves, I find they really take off. I've always just started in plain potting mix in plastic cups. They are probably planning their growth out.

 

[lesa]

Are you really not able to get them outside in zone 8?? Nothing beats good old fashioned sunshine!

 

[Southern Gardener]

Are you really not able to get them outside in zone 8?? Nothing beats good old fashioned sunshine!

Not today - we're supposed to get rain and snow today and tonight if you can believe that.

 

[lupinfarm]

I don't know if you can get them, but I've never had much luck with the peat pots and you are so right, they dry out like nobody's business! I found these coconut fibre pots last year and they're fantastic. I really liked that I could just pull them apart when I planted really easily. My plants aren't as dry in them.

 

[journey11]

I hate the peat pots too! I always either overwatered them and they grew algae or they were dried out. I went back to plain black plastic trays and reuse them every year.

Southern, your light and heat sounds good to me...maybe stay at 70 or above, heat really does help. Can you post a pic of your seedlings? Also try giving them a little Miracle-gro when you water them (1/2 tsp to a gallon).