Supplemental lighting for seedlings — how to avoid etiolation
In short: Seedlings without sufficient light stretch and become thin — this is etiolation. LED grow-light for 80–150 PLN or rotating trays every 2 days eliminates the problem.
Supplemental lighting for seedlings — etiolation is a real problem
The best winter window provides 3–4 hours of weak sunlight. Tomatoes need 14–16 hours at min. 3000 lux. A windowsill in February can't provide this.
Symptoms of etiolation:
- Seedlings become thin and stretch toward the window
- Thread-like stems, plants lean to the side
- Pale, light green leaves
Solutions:
1. LED grow-light (50–200 PLN) — 14–16 hours daily. The cheapest LED strips for 80 PLN give real results.
2. Rotate seed trays every 2–3 days — turn 180°, seedlings will straighten up. Free.
3. White reflective foil behind trays — silver mat or cardboard reflects additional light.
Slightly etiolated seedlings: prick out a bit deeper — tomatoes and peppers tolerate deeper planting.
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