Correcting for stretch?

[RubySlippers]

Hey, guys! I must first deeply thank you for all your help with my first grow! Two of four seeds popped out of my Rapid Rooters (one White Widow and one Papaya). I'm pretty excited! I'm thinking of trying a couple more seeds in RR in case the last two don't pop. Anyway, I transplanted to a soil-filled disposable cup yesterday and kept them under an incandescent bulb. The WW has stretched a bit so I have moved it the grow tent where I have a 600w MH dimmed to 400w. I'm working on getting the temp up to around 80 degrees without burning the little guys. I've been dropping the light and checking the temp every 20-30 minutes. I have read that when I move the WW to the final container (5 gal smart pot) in a 2-3 weeks I can bury the stretched stem a few inches...is that accurate? Is there anything else I should be doing now?
Thanks so much!

 

[007]

Yep just bury some of that stretched stem and it'll eventually root and give you a sturdier plant

 

[PuravidaC]

Strech may be caused by using an incandescent bulb, not good for growing. Try switching to CFL bulb for seedlings.

 

[RubySlippers]

I'll definitely try it. I just wanted to keep my germinating area warm until they popped. Do CFLs get warm enough?

 

[Marley]

Definitely get rid of the incandescent. CFL's put of a tiny bit of heat. It depends how big your space is as to how much it will warm the area.

 

[RubySlippers]

Got it. The incandescent is gone! Thanks!

 

[RubySlippers]

Is it ok to just add extra soil to the cup now? Or better to wait until moving to the final container? The plants have been in the grow tent for several days now and the leaves are growing well but it's leaning quite a bit. I'm afraid they'll get top heavy.

 

[RubySlippers]

No Title

Here's what the ladies look like after moving them to the tent. There's plenty of room for more soil. Better to add the soil now or wait until I transplant to final container? Thanks!

 

[007]

You can add it now if you want

 

[RubySlippers]

Ha! I totally do! My newb must be showing again. Thanks 007!

 

[007]

I just had to do do it to 5 seedlings I have going in solo cups too, they are tipsy when they're so young Have you thought about starting a grow journal thread? Would love to see how they progress for you!