Leggy seedlings

[FLgal]

I have about 20 leggy seedlings, all with 3-4 leaves. Are they goners or should I plant them to see if they will grow?
This was my first attempt to start seeds. Any advice would be great! ( I started earlier than suggested to weed out the mistakes so I can do it better come Aug/sept when these veggies are suppose to be planted in my area)

[Contrary Housewife]

What did you plant and what is the temp where you are? If it is warm enough (and not too hot) then plant them. Put them a little deeper so the leaves are just an inch or two above the surface.

Plants get leggy when they don't have enough light.

[frugalfranny]

From your name, I am guessing you are in Florida...and while I don't know much about their weather/heat/humidity etc. I would sure give them a try.

Like other poster said............plant them deeper. You didn't say what they were........and if one set of the leaves can be removed safely.......would remove them and be sure to put that part below the dirt.

[greekislandgirl]

Agree they need more light. I started herbs in January from seed thinking we'd have light / bright days earlier than we did. I couldn't provide them with more light but eventually about half died and about half thrived and are now happy outside.

[Daisygirl]

FlGal, I'm so glad you posted this! Yikes! I think this is why my zucchini plants are stunted. I never realized they weren't supposed to look like this.

My zucchini have about 6 inches with no leaves and then leaves on the end. Should I dig them up and replant them deeper? Here's a pic. (I've thinned out the number of plants in the pot because of the great advice here)

[FLgal]

Ok...so the kids used markers to mark the veggies in the seed box....so now it will be a total surprise since the markers ran when watered.

But I think the leggy ones are Broccoli and/or Cucumbers. I transplanted into bigger pots yesterday, as recommended here. I read that they don't do well transplanted...and that I probably should have sowed them right into the garden? Gardening is so confusing.

Question about squash- I have a male flower about to open up, when will my female show up? They have a ton of buds...no flowers yet.

[Russ]

As already said, it's the lack of light. If using artificial lighting, it needs to be within a couple of inches of the plant.

Also, keep in mind when you plant seeds outdoors they are also exposed to wind. The movement of the seedlings in the wind also helps the strength of the plant and plays a role in the legginess of the plant.

[craftypam]

In my experience broccoli transplants fine. Beans, cucumbers, watermelon and cantalope do not transplant as well. And I've never grown zucchini, but I've heard you almost cannot kill it. I have had the problem with tomato plants becoming leggy and you are supposed to transplant tomato plants deep anyway. They may start out slower than store bought plants, but will eventually catch up. Experimenting is how to learn what to do and not to do the next year.

[Dancing Lotus]

Plant them anyways, what have you got to loose?
Although don't expect much from your broccoli , it's too hot for broccoli in Florida this time of year.
I'm on the space coast and we do broccoli in the fall and early spring.

Plant them all the way up to the leaves.

[Contrary Housewife]

The female squash flowers open a week or so after the first male flowers. So you will be looking at a 2nd round of male flowers before the females get fertilized and start producing fruit.

Squash can be brought down very quickly by vine borers. Check daily at the base of the plant for crumbly brown or white stuff on the stalks. You have to cut into the plant and dig the worms out. By the time it looks like these photos it is too late Squash Vine Borer Damage Symptoms These pests can kill a healthy, fruit bearing squash plant in days.