Growing Cucumbers and Tomatoes From Seeds

I usually grow my tomato and cucumber plants from seeds. My question is, why do the store plants have much thicker stems than my own plants? Is it fertilizer or not keeping my plants warm enough? Please help.


ANSWER:

It's hard to say what the problem is without knowing more about your situation. Are you growing your tomato and cucumber seeds indoors? Or do you have a greenhouse?

Commercially grown vegetable plants are in a very controlled environment. The temperature, humidity, light, air flow, and water are all kept within a certain range for optimal plant growth.

Your seedlings might not be getting enough light, warmth, or air flow. Sometimes it is necessary to use a fan to create some air movement. The plant stems will grow sturdier when there is some air movement to resist.

It is also helpful to use an all-purpose fertilizer when growing your own garden plants from seeds.