Starting from Seed and when to plant

[hangin'witthepeeps]

Okay, I have bought one of those seed starting trays. In the past I have started my plants when they got a couple of true leaves on them with no problems. I started some lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and a few zucchini's. They appear leggy to me. The stalk appears sturdy for the two little leaves, do I need to add something to the water to provide nutrients to the little guys. I really don't want to set them out until they are bigger. I planted approximately 3 weeks ago. They are outside under my porch and get a little direct sun every day but mostly indirect. I'm afraid I will burn them up.

I also started 2 cucumbers in there and they grew fast and tall. I planted them yesterday to replace the ones that had died off. I hope to get a 2nd crop before cooler temps. Around here it is Nov/Dec before we see anything significant in temperature drops.

 

[NurseNettie]

The problem could be that the seeds you've started tend to do better when direct seeded, if you can. Here in Maine, we do start our cole crops early, in trays, and they do get leggy before we set them out. They're also cooler weather crops, and you're in a warm area- so I don't have experience in planting fall crops in your area... Hopefully someone from your area will jump in soon!

Okay, I have bought one of those seed starting trays. In the past I have started my plants when they got a couple of true leaves on them with no problems. I started some lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and a few zucchini's. They appear leggy to me. The stalk appears sturdy for the two little leaves, do I need to add something to the water to provide nutrients to the little guys. I really don't want to set them out until they are bigger. I planted approximately 3 weeks ago. They are outside under my porch and get a little direct sun every day but mostly indirect. I'm afraid I will burn them up.

I also started 2 cucumbers in there and they grew fast and tall. I planted them yesterday to replace the ones that had died off. I hope to get a 2nd crop before cooler temps. Around here it is Nov/Dec before we see anything significant in temperature drops.

 

[hoodat]

If there is room below the rim pour a little seed starter mix on top. Don't tamp it down. The stalks are too easily damaged at this point. Just pour it on top loose and let it soak up moisture from underneath. That will help prop them up. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer but only at 1/4 the strength they tell you in the instructions on the bottle.

 

[vfem]

I find my cool season, and root crops, like to be directly sewn. I get really leggy plants when I try to start them indoors.

 

[hangin'witthepeeps]

I did add some Miracle grow "blue stuff" to the water. It has a tray with a "mat" that wicks up water to the bottom of the tray that holds the sprouts. The root system on the cucumbers were fantastic at three weeks. I love that watering mat system. The lettuce and broccoli look better. The cabbage? But all has not failed, I have more seed and can direct sow if needed. I just wanted to stagger the harvest of the cabbage since I don't know if I can store it. My spinach looks tiny.

 

[wifezilla]

I get really leggy plants when I try to start them indoors.

I used to have that problem. Now I use CFL's and my plants started indoors look great.