[Kajazy]

I often do brush them. And then talk to them.  Really, I do! Less science, more hopefullness in my case....!

[lacewing]

I think you have to be strict when talking to plants.  The threat of  the compost bin usually works for me. As for brushing, combing, blowing and stroking, that's just plain molly coddling.

[compostqueen]

I stroke my trays of leaves every time I turn them 

I'm sure it's not vulgar as someone suggested earlier 

[JayG]

I suppose that given that we often start off a lot of plants in very "soft" conditions that anything that replicates the movement of wind outdoors could help toughen them up, but I can't quite see myself doing it (I'm more of the finger-wagging, "you've got two choices", sort of grower, although I have been known to get down on bended knee and beg my cucumber plants to stay alive!!) 

[TheSpartacat]

Yup, I'd heard of doing this by using a piece of cardboard and brushing them over and back with it to help harden them up... i tried it and didn't notice any difference... :happy:

[japagow]

Thanks for all posts.

I think some Global Moderators might remember that this forum invites all interested parties with varied experience to take part

Suggesting that they 'get up to speed' is insulting and discourteous.

[mumofstig]

Suggesting that they 'get up to speed' is insulting and discourteous.

it was 'said' tongue in cheek, you know. 

[DD.]

I apologise. I thought some people on this forum had a sense of humour.

Clearly I was wrong.

[starry]

well my tomato seedlings I sowed on the 6th of jan are doing really well not at all spindly
but I am off to give them a stroke nevertheless as far as I am concerned if its good enough for the Japanese its good enough for me !! 

[gavinjconway]

I'm off to the spare room AKA germination room to give all my seedlings a cuddle.. 

[lacewing]

They'll  just take advantage and think you've gone soft! 

[sarajane]

I honestly cannot say whether this works or not but  I read about it many years ago and now I cannot walk past any of my seedlings , ether in the house or greenhouse,  without running my hand over them.  Got to be a bit of a habit now  I have to say my seedlings always tend to be the sturdy type rather than leggy so maybe there is something in it

[DD.]

At the end of the day - to coin a well worn expression - it's obviously not doing any harm, takes up no time at all, and involves no special planning. So why not?

[sarajane]

At the end of the day - to coin a well worn expression - it's obviously not doing any harm, takes up no time at all, and involves no special planning. So why not?

and it feels so nice to touch something you have grown from a tiny little seed.  So why not?

[mumofstig]

Ive just abused my baby tomato plants and now all I have tomato hands.......you know what I mean don't you   

So I'm off to make pretty green lather and then murky marks on the hand towel