If you started your seeds in front of a window—and I'd guess that many of us do—you're probably seeing your seedlings stretching toward the light and getting taller and lankier every week like this:

Or this:

Even if they're in front of a south-facing window that gets sun all day, early spring light usually isn't enough for seedlings that spend several weeks indoors before they're transplanted outdoors.

Most seedlings need a minimum of 12—but preferably 15 or more—hours of light per day to grow strong and healthy, so you can see why windows aren't ideal places to start seeds (unless they're started just a couple of weeks before they go outside, where they can "catch up" on the amount of light they need).

But light isn't the only issue. Overcrowding, high humidity/heat, and shallow watering can also contribute to leggy seedlings. If left untreated, leggy seedlings usually struggle after transplanting, since their thin and fragile stems make them more susceptible to damage and rot.

​If you're dealing with tall, spindly seedlings that tend to flop over easily, here's how you can treat the problem (and prevent legginess in the first place).​

Seasonal Tips

9 Ways to Prevent Damping Off in Seedlings (Hint: Cinnamon Won't Help You) Read article

A Simple Way to Harden Off Seedlings in 7 Days (Or Less) Read article

A Huge List of My Favorite Edible Flowers and What They Taste Like Read article

7 Cool-Season Seeds You Should Never Start Indoors Read article

Growing Citronella, the So-Called Mosquito Plant (Does It Really Repel Mosquitoes?) Read article

How to Raise Healthy Baby Chicks Read article

Listen to my interview on RMWorldTravel

I just did an interview with Robert and Mary Carey of the RMWorldTravel podcast, talking all things Route 66! (Did you know the iconic US highway celebrates 100 years this year?)

It was an honor to have The Route 66 Cookbook featured on America's #1 radio show. You can listen to the episode here, which aired live on March 28.

They also posted the recipe we talked about on their Facebook page, so get the recipe for my mouthwatering Seared Mushrooms with Scallion-Ginger Drizzle (it's vegan!) and give that post a like.

P.S. Learn how to fix leggy seedlings and keep them from happening in the first place.

P.P.S. Looking to plant a new tree this spring? FastGrowingTrees (where I've bought several fruit trees and shrubs) is running a sale right now.

Some of their bestselling plants and trees are up to 60% off, and you can score an extra 30% off with code SPRING30! (Sale ends April 7.)