windowsill issues for seeds

Discussion in 'Propagation This Month' started by the garden gnome, Mar 31, 2013.

  1. the garden gnome

    the garden gnome Gardener

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    I have a few chilli plants growing from seed. They started of well in the propagator on the windowsill but when potted on they grew but are a bit thin compared to my dads. He reckons the root might not be the best due to the windowsill itself is cold on which they sit.

    Any thoughts or tips
     
  2. Lolimac

    Lolimac Guest

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    Maybe stand them on newspaper GG...:blue thumb:
     
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    • Kristen

      Kristen Under gardener

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      By "thin" do you mean "leggy"? - elongated between each leaf joint? If so that's a sign that they are not getting enough light.
       
    • the garden gnome

      the garden gnome Gardener

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      No they aren't leggy just not as sturdy as they should be. My others are on a heat mat and look a lot better
       
    • PeterS

      PeterS Total Gardener

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      I suspect it is a matter of heat. I am growing things on a windowsill such as Cannas and Leonotus, which germinated fine - but are really suffering from the lack of heat. They look miserable compared to previous years.
       
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      • the garden gnome

        the garden gnome Gardener

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        That's what I think so I bought a windowsill heat mat to see if it helps
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Have you a max/min thermometer [user]the garden gnome[/user]? I find mine invaluable for working out the hot/cold spots around the house.

        Also light levels have been very poor recently, maybe your dad's chillis are on a south facing window? Most of my seedlings on window sills are growing long and thin searching for the sun.
         
      • PeterS

        PeterS Total Gardener

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        A heat mat certainly will help a bit - but there is a limit to how much you can put on them. I am afraid that we are all dependant on nature - and our mortal efforts are puny.
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          You need to get the combination of heat and light correct.
          To much heat and not enough light and they will grow thin.
          Not enough heat but with light and they will "stall".

          Difficult year, but I'm sure things will come OK as usual, we are just a month behind this year, so pretend its early March, until things warm up.;)
           
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          • landimad

            landimad Odd man rather than Land man

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            The garden gnome, could you place them on corrugated cardboard box laid flat and extra light from cooking foil selotaped to a piece of card behind the plants?
             
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