Seed leaves vs. true leaves: what to look for
Tell cotyledons from true leaves, record a useful growth-stage comparison, and decide what the change means for thinning and potting on.
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First Leaves offers seed and seedling growing guides, from a seed that won’t sprout to your first true leaves. Understand what your plants need, one simple step at a time.
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Get to know your seedlings.
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A windowsill, a few pots, and a willingness to notice. Make the most of the space you have.
Explore indoor growingFresh from the growing guide.
Browse all guidesHow to harden off seedlings before transplanting
Use a gradual outdoor transition, a practical exposure plan, and crop-specific temperature checks before transplanting indoor-grown seedlings.
Seedlings falling over: damping off or leaning
Inspect fallen seedlings, recognize signs consistent with damping off, and use a clear removal and restart plan when stems are decaying.
Seeds not germinating: practical checks
Work out whether to wait, change the sowing conditions, or replace your seed with a crop-specific checklist and a simple germination test.
Good guidance grows from good sources.
Our guides draw on horticultural references, explain uncertainty, and link to their sources.