florescent lights and sunshine

In years past I have germinated seeds under florescent lights set up in a large picture window that faces south. I actually wonder if I should put some seedlings in a darkened room and give them 16 hours of florescent lighting because if I don't get to them to rotate them everyday they really LEAN to the window and sometimes get very leggy. Is going with only the florescent setup actually better than combining it with Mother Nature's good old sunshine?

What an interesting question. I use ONLY florescent light, and have for ten years and do not have the leaning problem. I suspect that if you eliminate good old Mother Nature you will eliminate your problem (doesn't it seem almost blasphemous?)

Donna

How far are your lights from the tops of your seedlings? If they're more than a few inches above the tops of the seedlings then the seedlings will tend to get leggy even if you take away the sunny window.

I agree with ecrane. I actually have three different lights, and move the seedlings as they grow (easier than adjusting the lights!)

ANy thought on what happens to plants that become too leggy. Someone said tomatoes aren;t such a problem because you can bury a lot of the legginess in transplant, but what are the long-term effects on other kinds of plants? I mean, do they grow to become less productive or less healthy?