NEWBIE! What am I doing wrong?

by Sue
(Chester, NH)

So I bought this great hydrophonics system and I was ready to begin my seedlings. I put the seed in rock wool and placed them in a tray on top of a heat mat and used a flourescent light a few inches away and left if on for about 18 hours a day. It is rather cool in our house so I have a little space heater and would turn that on low to keep the area warm (75-80). I water once a day with diluted FloraNova 7-4-10. I started with 15 seedlings and now only have 2. They grew great for a a few weeks and then just died off. They got pretty tall but no roots ever came out of the wool plug. I decided to try again doing something different. I placed the seedlings in a tray and will keep the plastic cover on. But I think I have to take it off in order for the light to penetrate? I also have placed them in a room with a big window sill and will let the sun get to them while it is out. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I am doing wrong?

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Answer from Stella:

Hi Sue,
I believe the problem is the length of time you left the plants as seedlings. Although you are technically supposed to wait to transplant until you see roots coming out the cube, some varieties are not as prolific with the roots.

You should only keep your new sprouts in a seedling setting for a week or two tops. If you keep them indefinitely in the seedling flat, they will die. So get them up and with 2-4 leaves, then get them into the main hydro setup as soon as possible.

Hope this helps!

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