[Caddi fuller-teabags]

I have planted lettuce, coriander, spring onions and dill in compost on my windowsill.  They have all come up very leggy.

Is there some deficiency in the compost - do they need some 'vitamin z' and if so what is it I need to add to my compost for them to start putting on a bit of bulk. they are barely able to support their own weight.

Caddi

[penance]

Sounds like not enough light or to much warmth.

[Michael D]

Hi     Sounds like it could be to warm, I`ve started seeds off on the window sills in the house. once there heads have poped out, there out in a cold greenhouse, everythink is doing well. once big enough into paper pots.   Michael

[Caddi fuller-teabags]

Ah that is where I am going wrong then. 

I though I had to grow them until they were strong enough and then move them when they had two real leaves.

Thank you.  (I am banishing my seeds to the cold frame!)

[lottienewbie]

Michael......does putting them straight into a cold greenhouse not check their growth?as i am new to all this,but i have had leggy seedlings and i am trying the tin foil behind the seedlings approach.


regards neil.

[tam]

I'm doing the same as Michael, not even on a window sill though. I just have them on my desk. Soon as they start sowing signs of life I stick them out. So far I've done peas, lettuce, onion, radish, nasturtium, and a few other flowers.

[iwantanallotment]

i am trying the tin foil behind the seedlings approach.


regards neil.

DD will be proud of you, Neil!
I copied this method last year and it really does work a treat, seedlings get all the light they need reflected around them from the foil, there is no 'dark side' and they grow strong and healthy.
Re your Q, I can only comment on my own experience - they were re-potted individually when large enough to handle, and put in unheated greenhouse - growth was not affected in the slightest, and some became proper monsters 

[sclarke624]

Apparently dill is leggy looking anyway, that is what I was told when asked about it.  I know what you mean about the dill its tall and floppy/  Altoughh in the last week they have stiffened up a bit and look stronger they are in a hot conservatory.