In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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March 20, 2008

Seedling strength

Ever wonder how the nurseries get seedlings to have such strong, stout stems when the ones you grow at home get leggy so easily?

Two things: First, they make sure the seedlings get ample light soon as they sprout. If you’re using grow lights, put the lights three to five inches above the seedlings so they don’t have to stretch for light.

Second, keep a fan going gently across the seedlings. Or rub your hand gently back and forth across the tops of the seedlings for a minute or two several times a day.

The movement helps seedlings produce strong stems. It’s the same with trees. If they can move with the breeze, they grow stronger than ones tied tightly against supports.

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