How to Save Leggy Broccoli Seedlings

If you ever tried to grow broccoli indoors it is
quite a challenge to remove the humidity dome
just as the seedlings are breaking the surface
of the soil. Before you know it they have 2 inch
white stems with 2 tiny leaves at the top and
soon after they fall over and die. Here is how
to save those broccoli that you might otherwise
scrap and start over.















Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
Seed starting mix or potting soil for vegetables
Small ceramic pot or container to transplant your broccoli into.

1 If your poor broccoli has fallen over but the base of the stem has not withered and transparent then there is still hope! If your broccoli is planted in a generic black plastic seed starting container with separate compartments for each plant find a container about the same size as your broccoli is planted in but just about 1 to 2 inched deeper. You may want to poke two toothpick sized holes in the bottom with a knife or scissors for adequate drainage or just don't overwater it. Also have some vegetable seed starting mix or vegetable potting soil handy and a half cup of water per plant. Best to do this outside.

2 Squeeze the sides of the planter 2 at a time to separate the seed starter from the container. Then push gently on the bottom of the container to break the seed starter free from the bottom. Turn the container sideways so that the plant will come out easier. Gently grip the broccoli at the stem base. Then carefully and slowly pull it out of the container. If you are very lucky the seed starter will hold to the broccoli and come out with the broccoli seedling. Be careful not to damage the roots or separate the plant from the roots. Once your seedling is removed you should see a small ball of roots and seed starter at the bottom of your seedling. As in the picture if you weren't lucky enough to pull out the whole cube of seed starter.             I haven't been able to.


3 Now place your broccoli seedling into its new deeper container so that theleaves rest on the edge of the lid. Cover the seed starter or potting mix halfway. Then pour a small amount of water in it. DO NOT DRENCH! Just a small amount at a time just till the mix turns black. center the stem in the mix and add more mix up to about a half inch from the top. Then water again as before. center the stem and gently press down on the mix to remove air bubbles and stabilize your newly transplanted broccoli seedling. place in a sunny window and keep the soil slightly moist.


4 Place a ceramic dish under the container if you decided to poke holes in thebottom so that the water won't drain onto your window sill (Sorry, just a reminder). In a week or so your weak little broccoli seedling will blossom into a beautiful broccoli plant. Now you won't haveto start all over! ;0D Happy Gardening!

Tips & Warnings:

My battle with broccoli is just starting out but I am determined to master it. Keep trying and you too will be a master of the
mysterious broccoli...
Transplanting promotes growth.
Be careful not to break off the roots of the seedling during transplant.
Don't drown your plant. If there is more water than soil mix after watering pour the excess water out.