Seedlings Tipping Over

If 3-4" seedlings are tipping over a bit, say 25 degrees or so, should they be staked, or will they straighten up as they grow on their own? If they need to be staked, would plastic drinking straws and thread work well?

DRCANNABIS said:

If 3-4" seedlings are tipping over a bit, say 25 degrees or so, should they be staked, If they need to be staked, would plastic drinking straws and thread work well?

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yes & yes, if your light was stronger (6500 K preferably) and you had a small fan on them they wouldn't tip over.

I would get more light & closer, install a small fart fan, and replant them into a larger container buring the stem 1" from the germination leafs.

good luck

The problem with staking a seedling is if you cut its early root system it will more than likely kill it.

BlessAmerica said:

The problem with staking a seedling is if you cut its early root system it will more than likely kill it.

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I disagree, the stake is only penetrating a minuscule fraction of the soil ball.

Yes these are some of the issues that came to mind with staking...i.e. severing roots, cutting into the stem with the thread, etc.

Agree with frmrboi. I staked all of mine with BIC pens and thread until they were able to stand alone. Another good tip is to go and get some barricade (made by Advanced Nutrients) from you local hydroponics store. It works wonders with plant stems!!! If you haven't tried barricade its HIGHLY recommended for a newbie or vet.

DRCANNABIS said:

Yes these are some of the issues that came to mind with staking...i.e. severing roots, cutting into the stem with the thread, etc.

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the roots will be fine, use a piece of elastic band if your concerned about pinching.

show pics, most likely you dont have enough light, and they are stretching, secondly it may be underwatering.

Go to your local store and buy some of those cheap plastic picnic forks. Place one fork handle down into the soil, then rest the stem between the tines of the fork. Be careful not to let the fork snap back as that will break the stem. After you do that, then have a small fan GENTLY blowing across the seedlings. This is like weight training. It stresses the seedlings a little and causes the stems to thicken and grow stronger. As they get stronger, remove the forks.

Vi