Hey folks, I'm new to gardening and it's my first time trying to start plants from seeds this year. I'm having some difficulties and could really use some advice! I'm located in Massachusetts and here's what I've got going on:
1) **Brussels Sprouts**: I started these in late March with seed starter soil. They germinated quickly and even grew their first true leaves last week, but now they've stopped growing. They look really leggy, and their roots seem weak and not developing as I expected based on what I've watched online. They get plenty of light and I've been bottom-watering regularly. I haven't transplanted them yet; could that be part of the problem?
2) **Catnip**: I sowed some seeds in the same soil about a few weeks ago, but I didn't see any seedlings come up. The weird thing is, the soil never dried out like everyone says it should. It remained soggy while some cells stayed wet and others dried a bit. What gives?
3) **Tomatoes and Basil**: I just planted these seeds five days ago, but I'm facing the same soggy soil issue. They're on a heat mat next to a south-facing window, but the soil still feels wet.
I know it's a lot, but I'm really frustrated and want to get this seed starting thing right! What am I missing?
2 Answers
When starting seeds, it's crucial to keep the soil moist for germination, but once they sprout and get their first true leaves, you should consider transplanting them into larger pots. For your Brussels sprouts, you may want to gently transplant them along with some mild fertilizer to help kickstart their growth. And yeah, catnip can take a bit of time to show up, like a few weeks, so hang tight!
It's important not to let the soil completely dry out because that can actually harm your seedlings. If you’re constantly keeping the soil wet, though, it could be detrimental as well. It sounds like that's what's happening with your Brussels sprouts. Just keep an eye on moisture levels without letting them drown. Sometimes, even if the top looks dry, the bottom can be still soggy, so check there too!
Thanks, that makes sense! I’ve noticed some cells are just way too wet, even days later. I might be checking too much!
Thanks for the tip! Should I still transplant the Brussels sprouts even if their roots aren’t great?