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Western PA

I have some seedlings that are now 1 week old.I have them in a insulated box with lights ( one sunlight bulb and a regular shop bulb). I also have a small heater in there.

The seedlings are right under the light source and they must be 2-2 1/2 inches long.I don't remember last years seedling getting this leggy.Last year I did not have a heater, they only got heat from the lights.The thermometer is at the same level as the potted plants and is reading around 80 degrees.
I have a timer to turn the lights on from 7am until 9pm, should I leave them on constantly for a week or two ?

Is the heater causing the problem ?

Would the benefit if I put them on a window sill to get some sun ?

3/28/2011 9:13:44 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I wonder if cooler growing temps slow them down from getting leggy. But definitely put a fan on them. They need to struggle.

3/28/2011 10:06:32 AM

formerly RGG

Zappa, your problem is both lack of sufficient light and the warm temperatures. Sunshine from a windowsill would be helpful. Direct sunshine from outdoors would be even better. Definitely cut the heater way down or off and if you are growing to use artificial lighting move the bulbs as close to the plants as possible as that will make a huge difference.

3/28/2011 10:14:51 AM

Western PA

Ok, thanks guys. Heater is off fan is on.

They actually were within a half inch from touching the bulbs. I think maybe with the heater on at night, in darkness, it is causing the problem.

3/28/2011 10:26:35 AM

formerly RGG

Try leaving the lights on 24 hrs. It can only help your situation.

3/28/2011 10:29:23 AM

Western PA

TD, you answered my next question, thanks.

3/28/2011 10:40:01 AM

Muddy Waters

Always stop heat heat after germination.Room temp should be fine.

3/28/2011 10:43:27 AM

Muddy Waters

I wouldnt run fan 24/7.maybe 8 hrs per day

3/28/2011 10:45:24 AM

Western PA

Thank you, Handy !
My mistake was that I am trying to germinate seeds and grow in the same box. Lesson learned, thanks all.

3/28/2011 11:11:33 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Germinate w/ heat, grow w/ light!!! Close to plants!!! Peace, Wayne

3/28/2011 6:14:35 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

I run fan, whenever lights are on. 16/8 or 14/10 or 12/12...try and gradually get to same conditions you will be plantin into. If weather permits, the best thing you can do is...(JMHO)...put em outside during (warm) sunny days. Peace, Wayne

3/30/2011 11:31:01 PM

Muddy Waters

My concern PW is 2 much Fan,I had 2 big of a fan in my green house,I finally after several years(Im a IDIOT)figured fan was 2 big,plant was spending its energy maintaining plant,Im thinking same with small plants.Can you have 2 much fan???& whos GLEN Dammitt???

3/31/2011 7:09:32 AM

Western PA

Just an update,
Since I cut the heat off, my melon plants stopped growing leggy. I can see the first true leaves starting to develop.
I think I'll be fine now. Thanks again everyone !

3/31/2011 7:50:18 AM