[japagow]

Somewhere on telly I saw a large wooden comb used by Japanese growers to 'comb' their seedlings thus producing strength and a better root system.

I have once or twice waved my hand across a seed tray of seedlings thinking it helps and I have no reason to beleive it did any harm

Does anyone else do this or has anyone else heard of it?

[gobs]

Wind.

No need to if you harden off or keep hardy.

[japagow]

Sounds vulgar.

[mumofstig]

I do it if I have any tomato seedlings that look a bit spindly and it does seem to work

[VegGirl7]

i learnt from my gran that you should always give your plants a little stroke (on larger leaves) or blow gently on smaller seedlings, and talk to them too to encourage them to grow - she was a little crazy and, as I do the same, maybe I am too 

[Yorkie]

I think there is good science behind it.

When trees are planted out these days, the recommended method is to stake them relatively low down, so that it is stable in the ground but the trunk can flex in the wind to become stronger.

By brushing the tops of seedlings, you are similarly improving the strength of the plant.

[leeks r us]

Strange goings on i think japanese eh bin growing plenty good stuff without combing over the years but i stand to be corrected. strange people!

[DD.]

Well known technique, gets mentioned on here every year.

Better bring yourself up to speed!

[mumofstig]

Check the science 
http://webpages.lincoln.ac.uk/agoodman/News.htm

[leeks r us]

Well known technique DD i dont think so thats why the question has been asked. Hmmm

[DD.]

Not been moving in the right circles!

[DD.]

Try this. NVS four years ago, although I do admit they go off at a bit of a tangent.

http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/forums/p/17003/17285.aspx

[leeks r us]

I stand Corrected DD thanks for that link by the way. I can understand the science but cant really see myself as a seedling stroker.

[DD.]

If it helps, I know about it, never done it.

I shudder to think how many tomatoes I'd have had last year if they were more productive.

[Salmo]

I came across this Japanese toughening of seedlings many years ago. They were using brushes but no doubt the same thing.

I can see that it would work. We have all put seedlings out too early only to see them bruised by the wind.