Leggy seedlings and new LED growlight

Question

Hi! This is now my 3rd season trying to grow and aaaargh! The LED growlight is awesome BUT, I had it too high so now? Leggy seedlings, again! I had that problem trying to grow the little buggers on my balcony but I get barely any light. I thought I’d recreate sun inside, and now have the same problem! I have now lowered the lights ( a lot) until they are about 3-4 inches above the plants. I read on your site that a fan or hand movement a few times a day might help plants grow stronger.If that doesn’t work, I am going to replant and start all over (trial and error, right?!) but is it worth replanting the leggy ones outside or wait and see what happens, and if all else fails, just eat them really small?! Thank you kindly!

Terri

Answer 1

I use LED’s myself. There are several things to know about them. It is very important not to get a cheap fixture, as they do not provide near enough light for plants. Can you provide a picture of the fixture and the plants? This can help me to see what is going on. Usually, with high end LED’s you should expect to keep them 24 to 36 inches above the plants. With cheap ones, you will have to keep them 1 to 3 inches off of the plants. Unfortunately, this is not very effective. Just make sure you have quality fixtures. There is another way to make household led bulbs into horticultural lights, but it involves removing the protective bulb. This will leave you vulnerable to shock, so you will be trying this at your own risk.