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Growing yourseedlingscan be a satisfying and economical way to garden.
Here are 7 reasons that seedling leaves could be curling down, plus tips to fix each issue.
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How to Fix
To prevent damping off of seedlings, give the plants less water.
This gives you more control over moisture in the seedlings' growing medium.
Underwatering
Too little watercan damage delicate seedlings.
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Without enough water, the baby plants will become stunted or even wilt, shrivel, and die.
Water consistently, and consider bottom watering your seedlings to ensure soil saturation.
Too Much Fertilizer
Overfertilizing or premature fertilizing may contribute to seedling leaves curling down.
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Use fresh potting mix specifically designed for starting seeds.
Delicate seedling leaves may curl to hold in moisture.
Once they germinate, though, these domes should be removed.
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Help regulate moisture by ensuring that you’re watering enough.
If your space has very low humidity, consider running a small humidifier nearby.
Low Temperature
Cool late winter temperatures may contribute to seedling leaves curling down.
When coupled with overly wet soil, low temperatures when starting seedlings can contribute to damping off.
Keep seed trays in a warm room.
Pest Issues
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Even established seedlings aren’t immune to pest damage.
Inspect seedlings regularly for signs of pests.
Continue treating plants for up to two weeks after you see the last aphid.
Yes, seedlings can recover from curling leaves if the issue is caught and remedied in time.
However, it’s not recommended for use on seedlings.
Epsom salts are sometimes used to address a magnesium deficiency in plants.
Damping-Off Diseases in the Garden.University of California IPM.
First set of seedling leaves curled under.AskExtension.org.
Gardening While Isolated: Fertilizing Your Seedlings.Iowa State University Extension.
Leaf curling on vegetables.University of Maryland Extension.
Why are my tomato seedlings drooping and the leaves curling?University of Maine Extension.
Lemon and Orange curled leaves.AskExtension.org.
