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How to Transfer Annual Seedlings to the Garden

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 How to Transfer Annual Seedlings to the Garden

We’re settling into our gardening now, and beginning to look back at where we began the season. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your outdoor garden! Transferring your annual seedlings can also help to increase your growing. But when planting seeds indoors, when is a good time to start and when do you move them outside?

Once it has been determined which seeds and a start date, planting can begin. You may purchase containers for your seeds or make your own. If purchasing pots from the store, or reusing other containers, it is important to make sure they are clean! Clean pots with a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. To make your own cost-efficient containers just cut out the compartments on pressed cardboard egg cartons; do not do this with styrofoam egg cartons! Poke small holes in the bottom and sides of the container. You will be able to plant the homemade egg carton containers straight into the ground.  If using regular pots, remove seedling from the pot upon planting.

Place seeds into a light, fluffy soil rather than a heavy, sticky soil. A bagged seed-starting mix is a good purchase for this endeavor, as are compressed pellet of peat or coir. Lightly water the plants just so the soil is moist and cover loosely with a plastic bag. Check plants daily to ensure the soil is moist. When the sprouts are visible, remove the plastic bag.

Warmth is necessary to initiate growth. Place plants on a special heating mat, the top of a refrigerator, or a dryer to spur growth. Once plants sprout, move them to an area with a temperature of 60-70 degrees F. Adequate light is vital for their survival. It may be sufficient to place plants in a south-facing window. If you decide you want to buy specialty lighting, the most cost efficient route is to head to the local hardware store and buy T-8 or T-12 fluorescent shop lamps. Place the lighting about 3-4 inches above the seedlings. Do not use a regular incandescent light bulb. The heat will destroy any plants. Plants need about 16-18 hours of light per day. Make sure to turn the lighting off at night.

Keep an eye on the chart for when to plant seedlings in the garden. Also, pay attention to the weather. After the last frost, begin to plant the seedlings in the garden. Remove weeds and break up soil in the area you wish to plant in. Dig a hole large enough for the root system of the seedling, cover with dirt, and lightly pack it down. Water until the soil is moist, making sure to check on this daily. If plants get dehydrated they will begin to wilt. The final step is to fertilize with an organic, slow-release fertilizer.

The post How to Transfer Annual Seedlings to the Garden appeared first on Gracious Gardening.


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