Questions about Newly Planted Seedlings

So 3 of my seeds popped yesterday and was showing some nice length tap roots and I decided to plant them in soil last night . My question is do i start giving them light now? Or should I wait until I see the first set of leaves ? Should i put saran wrap over the top of the pot ? I've planted the seeds 24 hours ago and left the lights on all night , I'm seeing mixed answers on this topic and just want some solid answers . One more thing I'm growing with cfls , is it true I can literally have them over my pot without burning my seedling ? They are currently 3 inches above soil .

Thanks for any Inputs !

My preference is to have lights on their veg cycle when seedlings start coming out of the soil. If you leave them in the dark they will get too stretchy. If you are going to put saran wrap over the pot, be sure to pull it off and keep it off as soon as they come up or you will increase the risk of damping off. I don't cover mine at all, just keep adding a few drops of water as needed to keep soil moist. I believe cfls can be placed too close, but not being a user I don't know the specifics on ideal distance.

Bugeye said:

My preference is to have lights on their veg cycle when seedlings start coming out of the soil. If you leave them in the dark they will get too stretchy. If you are going to put saran wrap over the pot, be sure to pull it off and keep it off as soon as they come up or you will increase the risk of damping off. I don't cover mine at all, just keep adding a few drops of water as needed to keep soil moist. I believe cfls can be placed too close, but not being a user I don't know the specifics on ideal distance.

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Thanks for your answer ! So how about before the seed pops from the ground ? Do I just leave my lights 24/0 and when they pop I'll switch to 18/6?

HighStatus said:

Thanks for your answer ! So how about before the seed pops from the ground ? Do I just leave my lights 24/0 and when they pop I'll switch to 18/6?

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That will work, or you can put them on 18/6 now. I keep 400w lights on mine 24/7 while popping just to get the dirt to the temperature that I want. I'll sometimes have them on for a few days in a row with seedlings up before going to 18/6 and it doesn't hurt them at all.

How much heat comes off your cfls? If they can help heat the soil, you should utilize them.

I have new seedlings too, but am starting them under a 400w metal halide. Before they sprouted, my light was actually close enough to scortch the perlite in the seed starting mix. When the sprouts started to emerge, I backed the light off big time and started the fan blowing over the pots. They seem to be doing ok.

I've had the best luck sprouting under my big light, than in the very humid and dark. Im keeping my light on 24 hours for the first week.

I would set my lamps at 18/6 now .

I hope you have some type of fluorescent lamp, so that you can place the lamp as close as a couple inches away in order to stifle stretching for the light. Hope this helps, Good Luck, and happy growing.