You are on page 1of 1

Uncover the Seedlings Once They

Germinate
It's very important to uncover the seedlings and expose them to light once they
germinate, otherwise they will rapidly become straggly, with overly long, thin stems.

1. If the plants are sensitive to frost, they will need to be kept indoors in full sun, in a
greenhouse, or under a cold frame. During severe frosts, seed trays should be brought indoors
or covered with insulation to protect them from freezing.
2. Place the seed tray on a windowsill where it should get enough light.
3. Turn the tray each day so the seedlings are evenly lit.
4. Keep the compost moist with a spray mister. This is essential, especially if the seeds are
at or close to the surface, as those tiny roots can dry out rapidly when exposed to warm
sunshine or warm air in a room.
5. Check daily and water if necessary. Once seedlings have a few pairs of "true leaves,"
they're ready for the next step.
Tip: Avoid strong sunshine on trays of small seeds sown outdoors. The surface of
compost can rapidly dry out, especially if it's windy, and the seedlings may perish. It's
probably best to keep them out of direct sunlight until a few pairs of leaves appear.

You might also like