My basil seedlings flopped over after a surprise hailstorm on my 6th floor balcony

Last Tuesday I had my basil and tomato seedlings on the balcony rail getting that sweet morning sun. Then out of nowhere a quick hailstorm hit around 11 AM and knocked them flat against the soil. I panicked and brought them inside under a grow light for 48 hours straight and gave them a tiny bit of water. By Friday three of the four basil plants were standing back up and looking normal again. The fourth one was a goner but I replanted with a seed from my backup pack. Has anyone else had luck saving seedlings after weather damage like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

hayes.tara11h ago

Oh man, that hail came out of nowhere didn't it. @taylor.phoenix is totally right though, seedlings are way tougher than we give them credit for as long as the main stem isn't actually broken. Sounds like you did the right thing getting them inside and under that light fast.

taylor.phoenix12h ago

Bringing them under a grow light right away was probably what saved them, lol. Seedlings are tougher than people give them credit for as long as the stem ain't snapped clean in half. Had a similar thing with my peppers after a freak windstorm and most bounced back within a week too.