Why You Need Fans for Seedlings

Electric fans have many benefits for your seedlings. When growing plants from seeds indoors consider adding a fan for a healthier, sturdier plant. Gardener Scott shows how he uses VIVOSUN fans in his grow area. (Video #437)
VIVOSUN AeroWave fan: shareasale.com...
Use code "SCOTT" for a discount
Seed starting and greenhouse supplies:
www.greenhouse...
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for discounts
Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to Gardener Scott: / @gardenerscott
Join the Gardener Scott channel to get access to special perks. Click the "JOIN" button or link here:
/ @gardenerscott
To support the channel, you can click on these affiliate links:
GreenStalk vertical garden system: lddy.no/kdvq
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for a $10 discount.
Forever Garden Beds for metal raised beds.
forevergardenb...
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for 10% off
Click this garden planning app link for 25% off the Planter Premium subscription (the code is embedded already): planter.garden...
T-shirts and mugs at the Gardener Scott Store:
gardener-scott...
If you use Amazon and want to buy anything at all, click through with this affiliate link: www.amazon.com/...
For home soil testing: rxsoil.com/nut...
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for 10% off
Botanical Interests seeds: shareasale.com...
Harvest Right Freeze Dryers:
affiliates.har...
IV Organic Fertilizer and Plant Guard: ivorganics.com...
Use Promo code "GARDENER" for 10% off
Check out Gardener Scott's Recommended Gardening Books at: bookshop.org/s...
#EnjoyGardening #GardenerScott
Links included in this description and referenced in videos might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase a product or service with the links I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you for those affiliate links and your support allows me to provide free content every week on the Gardener Scott channel.
Thank you for your support!

[@convictednotconvinced]

The size and health of those tomatoes is impressive given the pot size.

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m having a love/hate relationship with the fan this year. I Finally figured out why my non stop begonias were not growing, not a bit. It was because they were too cold and house temp is about 73*F and the fan made it even colder. I moved them from middle shelf to top and out of direct wind and within a day they grew and were not so red. I should have known because blueberries turn red if cold. Couldn’t find the answer anywhere until I thought what do those begonias like so much grown by a specialist in the UK until a light bulb went on as I noticed his were all in a greenhouse! Bingo! The heat was all they needed. Now to address the other problems-gnats and aphids. Haven’t seen any aphids on begonias,but need to be vigilant. The fan is also creating uneven drying of seedlings. I made the mistake of using an open bag of potting soil without baking it on the grill. Ugh! I’ve never ever had aphids. Of course along came the mildew and gnats. All of the cures require more water and has been a pain to get all this corrected. Another error was I didn’t want to treat indoor lettuce and soon realized ALL plants in the house need to be treated. What I’ve tried: peroxide/water drench, Neem, soap water and finally Mosquito Bits. The Bits I sprinkled on top of soil and seen immediate reduction; however, not total reduction on gnats. It’s only been a few days and I did All plants. I will next make a tea from bits for next watering and do that once a week for a couple times. Lol! By then I should hopefully get close to getting them outside 😂 right?, with another 4” today I’m not so sure. Next year-NO unsterilized soil, untreated plants or containers will cross this threshold. This has been the worst. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I seen aphids!👀 I’m growing new to me artichokes, hibiscus and dahlias and the aphids thanked me. They also loved lemon basil, cumin, white sage and celery. They won’t touch geraniums, petunias, onions, oregano, thyme or rosemary. Yes, this year seedlings are chalked full of difficulties, but the fans are necessary.

[@j.b.6855]

I bought a cheap oscillating stand fan last year for $20. It was one of the last things to complete my grow room. Since the room is in the basement mold is a concern. The fan solved all those problems.

[@farmermarshall]

Works like a charm. I used a fan on my seedlings and got really good results. Just be careful because it will dry your soil out quicker. Keep up with your watering.

[@barrycurran1985]

Thanks for another Great Video. This is so true, I keep my ceiling fan on high in my grow room, it helps strengthen the plant stems, it aids in keeping the plant dry and dust free, and it eliminates mold growth on the top of the soil. I think the airflow makes a healthier living environment for the plants and evens out the temperature throughout the entire room.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

Nice fan Scott. I like that it can clamp onto the shelf supports. I have a regular oscillating fan about the same size but isn't as convenient to use.

[@newwavepressure6478]

Def a learning curve moving indoors

[@brianseybert2189]

I have always had fans blowing on my plants in the grow room, one reason was for me, it can get pretty warm with 18 lights going in a small room. I need to look into that clamp on fan, I have a pedestal fan, but is always in my way. Another couple flies that do not like air currents are phorid and fruit flies, both of these flies can be a problem in worm bins if not careful. Good information Gardener Scott! Stay Well!!!

[@heidiclark6612]

That fan clamp looks great! I will have to check that out!

[@ShimafromMS]

This advice holds true for seed starting trays as well. I sticky taped a radial flow PC fan to the inside of each humidome to create some air flow and it seems to have worked nicely. Not bad for 5 bucks apiece (plus an outlet to 2-pin adapter).

[@johnjude2685]

Agree with the information about fans. Yes, it adds a springy action, and strong plants don't break as easily and stronger for transplanting

[@samljer]

Fans also equalize humidity with the rest of the room. dense foliage creates "wet air" pockets. if you dont have a fan, simply hand shaking or brushing across the tops of plants gently is "almost" as good. if done 2 or 3 times a day.

[@growintogether627]

I love how you always combine and explain the science and simplicity of gardening together in a digestible way. I gotta get the oscillation vivosun fan, currently have a few fans but don’t oscillate so using the wall. Thanks for another great video Gardener Scott!! :)

[@DerekBlais]

Great tips. I'm an apartment grower that transplants to my family's rural property. I've had mini-bugs and legginess as you explained. I think a fan would help.

[@lindapangerl9484]

Thank you for sharing Gardener Scott! Great information as always!🍀

[@JennySimon206]

I just bought that same fan I think. It's made for growing and is programmable with grow automation.

[@marleneschoeneck3276]

I have two of those Vivosun fans in my 4x8' grow tent. They work great, and (as mentioned) are very quiet.

[@jordanmarieorganics]

Another great informative video! I need to make sure that I turn my fan on a more consistent basis in the seedling area!

[@pagan2003]

I really enjoy watching your videos and have watched a LOT of them. I'm currently in school for horticulture and I always recommend your videos to my classmates and my teachers as well. I'm about to build a couple raised beds and your videos about that are helping. I'm also going to use your recipe for growing medium to make my own as well

[@amysnipes4245]

Thanks for pointing this out. Just ordered one.

[@greggriffin287]

I wish the clips on those Vivosun fans were a few inches longer. They are great fans, but when our wire racks are full of seedling trays these fans just don't fit. Great video covering the reasons why to use a fan for seedling!

[@willchoate7072]

In started using a fan a couple of years ago. It mad a heck of a difference.

[@VIVOSUN]

Thank you for your honest review 🤩😍🥰

[@sandi9546]

This is like strengthening our muscles with exercise.

[@maureenodonnell9600]

Thank you for another informative video. I’d like to know how many hours in a day do you run your fan? Thank s!🌸🐞

[@GardenerScott]

lt's only 30-60 minutes when they're small. As they get big and for big grouping of plants they get up to a couple hours.

[@maureenodonnell9600]

Thank you. I’ve got my fan on now. 😊

[@michaelglenn8598]

My favorite gardening channel!! You use all facts and so many personal opinions like a lot of other channels. Great video. Do your super hots reach full maturity?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I have had super hots reach maturity in the greenhouse.

[@michaelglenn8598]

Oh cool

[@natecavender897]

Great video as always. I’m a huge FAN of this channel! 😂

[@maryannodell7856]

Thank you for this info! 😊

[@mackwalker4564]

I learned a lot from your fan video. How long should I run it for my plants. Thanks for your help.

[@GardenerScott]

It doesn't need to be continuous. A few hours a day is usually good.

[@sapphire965]

Awesome video, well explained, subscribed!!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel.

[@RanQueenofCups]

you're the best, thank you!!

[@JandS1503]

Excellent!

[@deborahbarnes8475]

Thanks❤

[@AnenLaylle]

too much wind is bad too.

[@susanjordan2130]

Thank you

[@MasterKainnovation]

Man i didnt know a fan does this much

[@rosemaryangiolino3835]

Always enjoy your videos and thank you for teaching me so much but when do you start putting the fan on my veggie plants and for how many hours a day do you leave the fan on.

[@GardenerScott]

I usually wait until the true leaves are growing and then just for about 30 minutes. As the plants get bigger the time increases.

[@mbaumery]

Scott have you also considered growing Mushrooms as well with the benefits of the plants and mushrooms working Together. Thanks enjoy the videos

[@GardenerScott]

I have tried growing mushrooms and will again. My region is so dry that it is a challenge. I have videos where I discuss the benefits of fungi and mushrooms in soil. Expect more in the future.

[@mbaumery]

Thanks Scott I will have to dive in and check them out

[@l.dschick-inn-palacecrafts6174]

Just added a fan in around the plants. Ty bunches. I was actually thinking of this a few days ago. I have an off topic question please. What is the best way to help stop ants getting in my fruit trees? Ty again for so much information.

[@GardenerScott]

First identify the ant to see if it's a problem or not. If it's a carpenter ant or one that causes problems for you, you can look at chemical controls or traps.

[@teresaellis895]

Great vidieo..I started tomato plants too early ,they will be too big by mid May..or so.I may be ok if I harden on porch and uppot..

[@psykedude]

You can cut the top off and put it in water until roots sprout, then put it in soil again. It slows the plan down but still keeps it mature so that you won't get flowers too late

[@dasroberts6811]

How many hours do you direct the fan to your plants daily?

[@GardenerScott]

While they're small it's only 30-60 minutes. A big grouping of plants and bigger plants get a couple hours.

[@joanies6778]

​​​Glad I read this... I had my fan on the same timer as my lights. Guess I'll put it on its own timer for a much shorter period. I was worried it might dry them out, but not if only running for an hour.

[@dasroberts6811]

@@GardenerScott Thank you!

[@sandi9546]

Do you have any tips for knowing if bottom watered seedlings are getting the right amount of water?

[@GardenerScott]

I physically touch the top of the soil and occasionally scratch it. If the top is wet, with or without a fan, it doesn't need more water.

[@sandi9546]

@@GardenerScott thank you!

[@TheTrock121]

I wonder how much this increases the watering. My trays already need 1 or 2 pints of water each day.

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on humidity levels, but you can expect more water will be needed.

[@ernestoginebra9651]

Im your fan !! Lol

[@territ3548]

I thought the grow tent has a fan that allows for ventilation. So the fan would be in addition to create stronger plants?

[@GardenerScott]

If the tent has a ventilation fan it can help. A direct fan may provide more air for plant strength.

[@weskulturey]

What i noticed if you have negative pressure in the tent (hope i'm saying it correctly) the plants move slightly as if they are getting wind. I've read using fans in a way the wind touches on the top leaves that this best for plants so they don't lose too much height. Also keeping the fans horizontally (especially for oscilating fans) improves the life expectancy of the fan.

[@animalgirllover5421]

If I get thripes in my plants ,what is a good way to get rid of them

[@GardenerScott]

Insecticidal soap and neem oil can help.

[@barbaravanerp4598]

I don’t have power to my greenhouse. Solar fans? Any you have tried?

[@chrisannm5240]

I bought some very small, very cheap battery operated fans to try this year. I usually go old school and physically blow and VERY gently run my hand over my seedlings...does the same thing and gives me a nice interaction with my seedlings, I am all about being hands on, literally! 😊

[@GardenerScott]

I have used fans powered by solar panels in the past. I'll be looking to do it again this year.