[knightquest]

Just coming up to the end of my first six months of interest in growing veg.............very new!

I have a propagator that is self watering and I planted some lettuce seeds in it about five days ago. Well, some of them are now touching the plastic top but most aren't. It is inside my greenhouse so should I take the top off and let the seedlings go for it or leave the top on?

I intend to plant the seeds out inside the greenhouse but wonder whether the taller plants would be stunted by the plastic top?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Ian

[HappyHippy]

How about raising the roof ! Use some wooden skewers or drinking straws to lift the lid and run clingfilm round the gap, this way the small seedlings will still get moisture and warmth but the big ones won't get stunted.
Just an idea.....................
HTH ?
Karen

[Fleecewife]

Sounds as if the seedlings need to be pricked out into individual pots.  Lettuce don't like it hot or humid.  If you prick out the larger seedlings it will give the smaller ones more space to grow.  I sow lettuce in small flower pots, about 16-20 seeds per 4" pot, then prick them out to individual pots as soon as they have opened their first leaves.  It's fiddly but they have just a single root at that stage so it is actually easier to move them.  From individual pots, it is then easy to plant them out in their permanent places without disturbing the roots. By leaving them all squashed up together, you will be encourageing the plants to 'draw' ie grow too tall while trying to outgrow their neighbours. Having said that, I have a pot of beautiful deep red lettuce seedlings which are way too tall and should have been pricked out weeks ago  Think I will just eat them as salad leaves and pretend that's what I intended all along 

[knightquest]

Thanks guys, I suspect I may be pricking out when I get home tonight 

Ian

[Blonde]

Just coming up to the end of my first six months of interest in growing veg.............very new!

I have a propagator that is self watering and I planted some lettuce seeds in it about five days ago. Well, some of them are now touching the plastic top but most aren't. It is inside my greenhouse so should I take the top off and let the seedlings go for it or leave the top on?

I intend to plant the seeds out inside the greenhouse but wonder whether the taller plants would be stunted by the plastic top?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Ian

The seeds that  germinate first  are generally the stronger and more robust seedlings and should be  transplanted out fist while they are easy to handle and the roots are not to big.  One they have attained a good height their roots will be twice the size of the plant and if disturbed they might just die.

the little plants that germinate late should be put in to the compost heap.   You can collect seed from the more vigourous plants and use next year in your plot.

[violet]

Hi there,
Do you have a polytunnel, greenhouse or cold frame?
The reason I ask is that I just use my propagator to sprout my seeds. Once they have their first two leaves & the majority look good & strong I take them out and leave them in my polytunnel covered in fleece.
First though I would leave them at least 24 hours without the lid on or with it opened, my propogator at this point in the season is in the polytunnel.
When I take them out I make sure that they are either on polystyrene, black plastic or warmed soil.
Plants need to be gradually hardened off, otherwise they do not grow well & can become weak & spindly.
The only seedlings I leave in for any longer than this are my tomatoes, peppers & curcubits.

[violet]

  Just noticed you do have a greenhouse - do you have a heater?

[Blonde]

Hi there,
Do you have a polytunnel, greenhouse or cold frame?
The reason I ask is that I just use my propagator to sprout my seeds. Once they have their first two leaves & the majority look good & strong I take them out and leave them in my polytunnel covered in fleece.
First though I would leave them at least 24 hours without the lid on or with it opened, my propogator at this point in the season is in the polytunnel.
When I take them out I make sure that they are either on polystyrene, black plastic or warmed soil.
Plants need to be gradually hardened off, otherwise they do not grow well & can become weak & spindly.
The only seedlings I leave in for any longer than this are my tomatoes, peppers & curcubits.

I put seeds in to a pot or a tray and into home made  plastic houses.    A plastic bag or drink bottle over the top creates plenty  of warmth and if theya re put into dappled light they will germinate quite easily.  I also do cuttings the sameway. But with cuttings I use a rooting powder to help them along.