Why does my seedlings look so spindly and weak when they come up?

Answer 1

They look spindly and weak because they are seedlings, ya goof!

Answer 2

You don't say how many days old your seedlings are. They could be spindly because they do not have enough light. If you are growing them outside, then they are just newbies. Cover them so that the birds don't get them!

Answer 3

Need more light. Depending on the type of plant, you can cover the plant with dirt almost up to the leaves. That only works with some plants though. Some plants will rot if you do that. Another thing that will help them, put a small fan on low to simulate wind for a few hours off and on. Helps em grow stronger since they need to withstand the breeze. If there too tall and skinny though the fan will make em drop and die.

Answer 4

They are not getting enough light. If you are using a grow light, move the plants closer to it (up to 6-8 inches away). If you are growing them by the window and using natural light - you started your plants too early. I have learned that myself the hard way, and have lost seedlings by starting them too early. Depending on the plant variety, you may be able to pinch them back when they are older.

Cheers,

Petra M, Vancouver

Answer 5

too little light, too much water. cover the plats now up to the leaves with soil, this will support them and will cause the spindly stem to grow roots, in turn making the plant stronger. you need to put them in more light though.