why are our plants get leggy after direct sowing outdoors?

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starznhandz Concord, MA(Zone 6a) May 17, 2010

We noticed yesterday that our spinach, beets and chard are not firmly rooting themselves where they were directly seeded into the garden. Can this be from too much water? We have drip going frequently. Light fertilizer was added to these but no lime as suggested by our soil test (MA - zone 5a but zone 6 with the new Arbor Day Foundation mapping)

Our sorrel, which was also DS early this season is a little leggy but no lime or fertilizer was added there.

Our carrots, onions and turnips seem to be doing fine as is the lettuce, all of which were directly seeded, limed and fertilized.

We can surely change the drip system if anyone knows that this is contributing. Otherwise any other suggestions are appreciated :)

This message was edited May 17, 2010 10:52 AM

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Usually plants get "leggy" because they are stretching toward a light source. Is this area of your gaden getting enough direct sunlight?

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behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Aren't these crops usually planted in the fall.? Maybe the spring weather is not for these crops

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behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) May 17, 2010

Also, it sounds like you need to add phosphus.

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) May 18, 2010

Those crops will do fine in the spring in MA... Here in AZ they are fall crops.

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Doe41 (Audrey) Dyersburg, TN(Zone 7a) May 18, 2010

How thickly are they growing? If they're to thick, they'll get leggy. Try transplanting some of them to thin them out.

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starznhandz Concord, MA(Zone 6a) Jul 12, 2010

Sorry, got so busy and thanks for the responses. In New England, these are both spring and fall crops. I believe we found that they were getting too much water and they were not 'rooting' down.

Light source was good, phosphorus in check too! Thanks for the assistance!

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