Indoor Herb Seedlings: Leggy, Falling Over, Dying

The Cause: Insufficient Light

Herbs need full direct sun all day. A sliding glass door rarely provides enough intensity. Stems stretch thin, weak, and flop over (etiolation). Fertilizer worsens it.

Fixes

1. Move outdoors after germination (if temps allow).
2. Supplement with grow lights: 2–4 tube fluorescent, 2–4 inches above seedlings, 16 hrs/day.
3. Don't fertilize until established.

Damping Off (If Stems Rot at Soil Line)

• Use sterile peat/perlite mix (not Miracle-Gro potting soil).
• Keep surface damp, not soggy. Let dry slightly between waterings after emergence.
• Water from below.

Seed Quality

Supermarket seeds are fine if germination rate is good.