At Emergence
As soon as the seed emerges it is important to ensure proper care to allow for continued plant development.
The same basic conditions of the germination process can initially be maintained, but changes should be made gradually to ensure a strong and quality seedling is produced.
Temperature 68⁰F-77⁰F (20⁰C-25⁰C)
Keeping plants slightly cooler than during the germination process is advised.
Also, as is typically the case during the dark (lights off) period the temperature can be decreased to around 65⁰F (18⁰C).
Having this temperature drop can help reduce internode spacing (stretching) and keep plants stocky and not leggy (weak and thin).
Relative Humidity
As the plants grow the humidity levels will be decreased overtime typically reaching a target of 65% RH.
This reduces the water stress on the plant and allows time for the root system to become more robust.
If the very tip of fan leaves is burning then it is likely because of lack of humidity or temperature/light stress
Light
The intensity of light should be increased as the seedling develops to match the levels it will be exposed to in the main growing environment
If going outdoors than light exposure should be increased to natural sunlight levels.
Shade netting is commonly used of different precents to ease the transition of the seedlings to the intensity of natural light levels.
If going indoor than light exposure should be increased to chosen PAR levels for the Veg room.
This can be done by dimming lights (if an option) or by adjusting (decreasing) the distance between plants and light to alter the intensify the plants are exposed to.
Proper Water Technique
Fine nozzle should be used and kept inverted to allow for a natural rain fall-like impact on the seedlings.
Keep moving to ensure all seedlings get exposure and the tray can hold some water reserves to avoid seedling desiccation.
