Growing Plants From Seedlings
GROWING PLANTS FROM SEEDLINGS
Is an economical and rewarding way to fill your garden with colour.
And it's not difficult - there are only a few
essentials to remember:
DO: use new, or clean and sterilised, pots when transplanting;
use good quality, fresh multi-purpose compost;
use tepid tap water, not rainwater, for watering;
ventilate the growing area to provide air circulation.
DON'T: allow the pot to become dry or soggy;
handle the seedlings by the stem or roots;
plant out in the garden until they're big enough.
SEEDLING CARE
Tiny Seedlings
Tiny seedlings need to be kept in a bright position (a heated greenhouse is ideal,
or a bright windowsill in the house), with a minimum temperature of about 15-18 C
(60-65 F). Water them with a mister, or with a watering can fitted with a fine
rose, when the surface of the compost dries out a little.
Pricking Out
Once the plants are large enough to handle, fill seed trays or modules loosely with
multi-purpose compost. Tap the tray on the bench to settle the compost, then
water it with a fine rose, and allow it to drain thoroughly before beginning to
prick out your seedlings.
Loosen the roots of the young plant from the pot by easing them gently with a
dibber or plant label, whilst supporting the plant by its leaves (not the stem).
Make a hole in the new compost with your dibber, lift the young plant by the leaves
and place its roots and the bottom of the stem (for stability) into the hole.
Gently settle the compost around the roots and stem whilst still supporting the
plant by its leaves. If using seed trays, give each plant sufficient space to develop.
Keep your young plants growing on in a light, well-ventilated place, but lower the
temperature to around 10-13 C (50-55 F).
Growing On
Transplant again if the plants outgrow their trays or modules, into 7cm (3") pots.
Grow on at 7-10 C (45-50 F) in a light place.
Hardening Off & Planting Out
Before setting them in their final positions, the plants must be "hardened off", or
they will be damaged by cold, wind & rain. Put them outside for a couple of hours
in the middle of the day to start with, choosing a sheltered spot or a cold frame.
Don't forget to water them if necessary. Gradually increase the time they spend
outdoors so that by the time frosts are over, the plants are ready to set out, to
brighten up your tubs, hanging baskets, beds and borders all summer!