Don't forget to stroke your Tomato seedlings.

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by roders, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. roders

    roders Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2006
    Messages:
    6,222
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,184
    :) I am a great believer in stroking my Tomato seedlings gently backwards and forwards regularly.
    The theory is it will strengthen the young plants and to encourage them to become stocky rather than leggy,this and loads of light and not to much water at this stage,I like them to struggle a bit.
    Any thoughts on this or any other tips to encourage stocky rather than leggy.

    Normally I like leggy but not on tomato plants :WINK1:.

    [​IMG]
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Melinda

      Melinda Gardener

      Joined:
      May 28, 2010
      Messages:
      1,004
      Location:
      Lahndan Tahn
      Ratings:
      +437
      Peace man.

      [​IMG]

      ;)
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • miraflores

        miraflores Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 16, 2006
        Messages:
        5,484
        Location:
        mean daily minimum temperatures -1 -2
        Ratings:
        +2,389
        I am glad that somebody has time to stroke the plants! Jokes aside, yes I do think that some extra dedication to your plants can do a lot of good for the reason that they are living things.
         
      • Victoria

        Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

        Joined:
        Jun 9, 2006
        Messages:
        31,433
        Occupation:
        Lady of Leisure
        Location:
        Messines, Algarve
        Ratings:
        +56,037
        :shocked: Hmmm, best not do that to my green beans then ... :heehee:
         
      • Victoria

        Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

        Joined:
        Jun 9, 2006
        Messages:
        31,433
        Occupation:
        Lady of Leisure
        Location:
        Messines, Algarve
        Ratings:
        +56,037
        Well, I have just gone and talked to my green beans as they are growing at a rapid rate and they told me they are doing just fine. :yess:
         
      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

        Ratings:
        +0
        It does work, the wind normally toughens them up but not much wind in the greenhouse.

        Don't stroke them if you roll your own fags though. Tobacco Mossaic Virus.OUCH
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Victoria

          Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

          Joined:
          Jun 9, 2006
          Messages:
          31,433
          Occupation:
          Lady of Leisure
          Location:
          Messines, Algarve
          Ratings:
          +56,037
           
        • Phil A

          Phil A Guest

          Ratings:
          +0
          • Like Like x 2
          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

            Joined:
            Jan 12, 2019
            Messages:
            48,096
            Gender:
            Male
            Ratings:
            +100,844
            Well, I must admit that I don't stroke my tomato seedlings or even talk to them, but I do pick up the trays and stare at them every day. I do talk to myself though as I'm looking at them. musing if they've got any bigger or whether there is a problem!! I know better than to sing to them - instant curl up!, and any wind, self created, is left outside the Greenhouse.
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

            Joined:
            Jun 3, 2008
            Messages:
            32,370
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Surrey
            Ratings:
            +49,757
            Well it seems to be working roders, your seedlings look nice and sturdy!
             
          • RachelN76

            RachelN76 Gardener

            Joined:
            May 30, 2010
            Messages:
            120
            Occupation:
            Midwife
            Location:
            Nr Manchester
            Ratings:
            +15
            I gave mine a tickle today. they're only teeny though - didn't want to disturb them too much!

            I do chat to them though. I ask them whether they'd like to come inside for the night, whether they think they're ready for bigger pots, I tell them what the weather's like, and what i'm going to be doing for the rest of the day.

            I don't think they really listen to me though. But then, no one else in my house does, so why should they be any different!
             
            • Like Like x 1
            • Nobbyrob

              Nobbyrob Apprentice Gardener

              Joined:
              Jun 7, 2010
              Messages:
              8
              Occupation:
              retired from Rubber industry
              Location:
              Preston Nr Hull. East Yorkshire
              Ratings:
              +2
              Some years ago I saw a Gardening program were the presenter used a small powered fan for his seedlings, He recommended using it for approximately 3 hours per day, apparently the movement strengthens the plant. The person who asked the question regarding some of the plants being leggy at one end of the greenhouse while at the other end of the Greenhouse the same type plants were more sturdy, was because she had a broken window consequentially the sturdy plants was due to having slight wind movement.
               
              • Like Like x 1
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice