'Leggy' seedling problems...

[Herbsandveg]

I'm currently experiencing some real confidence problems as virtually all my seeds are germinating but all but one or two (varieties of plants) are turning leggy within a week or so and are proving virtually impossible to save.

I don't have a greenhouse, and have tried to raise my plants on a cold windowsill, but nothing seems to like this less than salubrious of settings, so I can only assume this is going to be repeated again and again without some very much needed advice. Could anyone help me with this one, please?

[zazen999]

Stop sowing seeds. Restart in a few weeks.

[Herbsandveg]

But won't I be weeks and weeks behind everyone else with the Spring and Summer whizzing by into the distance without me?

[veggiechicken]

Don't panic H&V. If the conditions aren't right to grow outside, none of us will be doing it. Knock up a couple of cloches or coldframes out of old windows - just somewhere to bring your plants on with a bit of protection. Peas and broadbeans won't complain.

[SarzWix]

The more hardy types of veg, like broad beans, peas, cabbages, lettuce, onions, broccoli, caulis etc will cope fine if you germinate them indoors and then put them outside during the day and bring them in at night. That way they'll get enough light but won't shrivel in the frosts overnight. More tender things don't need to be sown til the end of the month and then it will be warm enough, hopefully, to do the outdoor/indoor thing with them too.

[Linzy]

To be fair the weathers not been great so we're not exactl basking in the sunlight. I would say plant again in a week. You could always put a piece in tinfoil attached to card behind the seedling this will reflect light that comes through the window back onto the seedlings.

[rustylady]

What types of seeds have you sown H & V ?

[Two_Sheds]

But won't I be weeks and weeks behind everyone else

It's not a race, it's dinner

[redser]

You could buy in a few plants to get you started and then start sowing your own. Looks like we're close enough to some improved weather so not long to wait.

[RedThorn]

The great thing with the vine is like minded relatively sane(say that loosely) people, bad thing with the vine is impatience is contagious

[Nicos]

H&V...I've not even started sowing mine yet....as other grapes say- just start again- they'll catch up
What have you sown? (Toms can be saved by planting deeper )

In reality- would you really start sowing seeds ( forget about the date) if it's snowing????...this growing season is getting later and later for those of us with no greenhouses etc

[mothhawk]

It's not a race, it's dinner

That is just the best quote I have seen for veg growing, TS.