[brucesgirl]

Help!!
We planted some lettuce seeds in an eggbox. They germinated and started to grow. They are now about two inches tall, still with only their first leaves on, and are laying down flat on the compost. Not looking good at all.
They are on the kitchen window sill, facing south-west, so have plenty of light.
What's going wrong?
Have to add - this happens every time I sow small seeds. Large ones like peas and beans I have no problems with, so usually plant small seeds straight into the ground. Can't do it with these as the ground is too cold and wet.

[WG.]

Too early.  Too warm inside, too cold outside.   See http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?p=121236#121236  

[brucesgirl]

But these are All Year Round lettuces!!

And this happens whatever small seeds I sow, at all times of year!

Am I just jinxed?

[splodger]

an egg box is quite shallow - and some lettuces can have delicate gangly roots - i would repot them - they'll be ok - i've got lots of lettuce (wintering types) at the lottie - and it's just under a simple tent cloche

without knowing the variety - it's hard to give a more definitive reply  

[brucesgirl]

We seem to have posted together.

Do you think then that if I re-pot them should I plant them in so the compost is further up the stem?

That sentence is poo grammar-wise, but hopefully you will know what I mean.

[WG.]

All Year Round lettuces

That would mean that you have a reasonable chance of harvesting them All Year Round if you can offer adequate winter protection to autumn-sown seeds.

I still think your problem is down to having too much heat, too early.  

[gobs]

But these are All Year Round lettuces!!

And this happens whatever small seeds I sow, at all times of year!

Am I just jinxed?

As just to add to all good previous advice, All Year Round contradictory to its name is not winter hardy, I think.

Otherwise, you might just be over-sowing and over-crowding with your small seeds. And of course, there aren't enough light levels yet they sound like going for the window, try turning them every day.

[DD.]

Aluminium foil behind the seeds will negate the need for turning, but as others have intimated, they are too warm.

I may pop some in soon, but they will go in a greenhouse, with a minimal amount of heat.

[brucesgirl]

As just to add to all good previous advice, All Year Round contradictory to its name is not winter hardy, I think.


Tarnation !!!  :roll:

I am going to try again with them, maybe by the time they germinate the days will be longer.

I am also going to try sowing them outside. We have been warming some soil up with a bit of polycarb sheeting.

[splodger]

don't give up bg - i managed to sow some some seeds at the weekend - one of which were iceburg - and they will germinate - when they are ready  

there is no panic - and we haven't got rid of this cold spell of weather yet - there will be a bit more to come yet - so there is no hurry

dd's tip of the foil is a very good one - at anytime of year - as te foil reflects the light so that there is no need to turn plants, seedlings etc - i use a heavy duty foil sheet - for exactly that purpose - because sometimes i can't get to turn them  

[sparky]

I was once told that a LIGHT breeze on any seedlings will stiffen the stems up and make them thicker, or is this an old wives tale?

[Aunt Sally]

I was once told that a LIGHT breeze on any seedlings will stiffen the stems up and make them thicker, or is this an old wives tale?

No I'm sure it's not an old wives tale Sparkey.  Movement in the stem will encourage it to grow stronger.

PS What's with the fox hat ?

[sparky]

I was once told that a LIGHT breeze on any seedlings will stiffen the stems up and make them thicker, or is this an old wives tale?

No I'm sure it's not an old wives tale Sparkey.  Movement in the stem will encourage it to grow stronger.

PS What's with the fox hat ?

           
Ask W.G

[brucesgirl]

I'll blow on them  

[Rob the rake]

I'll blow on them  

That's very naughty. :oops: The dungeon beckons.......