Once seedlings sprout, several crucial steps ensure their healthy growth.

Consider: 

First, you can remove the dome lid once your seedlings begin to poke out of the soil. Humidity domes are crucial for seed germination, providing the warmth and humidity needed.  However, once seedlings sprout, the dome should be gradually removed to prevent fungal growth and encourage healthy air circulation.  A sudden removal can shock seedlings, so a gradual process—removing the dome for increasing periods—is best.  The goal is a gentle transition to the conditions adult plants need. This video may help.

Consider:

Then you want to consider thinning out weak seedlings and transplant those outgrowing their containers into larger pots with proper drainage.  

To thin out weak seedlings, start by identifying those that are smaller, leggy, or have yellowing leaves. These are often considered weak seedlings. Click this link to watch a video on what I mean by leggy plants.

Once identified, you can carefully remove them by gently pulling them out of the soil, making sure not to disturb the roots of the stronger seedlings nearby. You can also use scissors to cut them at the soil level, which can help avoid root disturbance. 

Thinning helps ensure that the remaining seedlings have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Consider:

You also want to maintain consistent moisture by watering when the soil surface is dry, avoiding overwatering. Watch this video to understand the finger test to check if your plant baby needs water or not.

Consider:

Finally, provide ample sunlight (at least 15 hours) or supplemental grow lights, ensuring even light distribution to prevent leggy growth. Leggy plants are plants that thin and twiggy. Here is a run down of some of the grow lights that I use: grow lights

Fun Fact: Did you know that some seedlings can actually "talk" to each other? When they're stressed, like during drought, they release chemicals into the air that can warn nearby plants to prepare for the tough times ahead! Several chemicals are involved in plant communication under stress.  Methyl jasmonate is one example, acting as a warning signal when plants are damaged.  Another is methyl salicylate, a form of aspirin that plants produce in response to stress, potentially triggering an ecosystem-wide immune response.  Hydrogen peroxide is also released by plants when under environmental stress, serving as an indicator of acute stress.🌱

This video is a great overview of this blog post.

Oh wait! Why did the plant break up with the gardener? 

Because it found someone who really "roots" for it! 🌿😄

Have grace with yourself and the world around you. Good luck on your journey!