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| Seedlings on the deck, hardening |
You have probably heard of "hardening off" seedlings. This is preparing the seedling for the more extreme conditions it will experience in the garden or pot. Otherwise, the green, happy seedling can easily wilt, dry up and die. Even when you harden your seedling, pay close attention to it after planting. Consistent moisture is key for the first couple of weeks.
Hardening is important through all garden seasons. In colder temperatures, the shock of going from warm to cold can be too much. In hotter months, shock of comfortable temperatures to hot temperatures can also be too much. In all seasons, going from indoors to direct outdoor sun can scald the plant's leaves.
After your seedlings have sprouted indoors, remove the cover, if using one. Let the top 1/4" of the soil dry out between waterings. I like to put the water in the tray and let the seedlings take up the moisture. If watering overhead, be careful and use a diffused watering head so the tender seedlings are not crushed. Keep the seedlings indoors until the second set of leaves appear; these are the first "true" leaves.
It's best if warm enough, to move the seed tray outdoors away from direct sun in an area protected from wind gusts. A gentle breeze keeps the seedlings from getting the fungus that causes them to keel over and die, called "dampening off". A breeze also helps the seedlings stems get stronger. I like putting mine on our covered deck.
If it is still cold at night, bring your seedlings indoors during these times. Over two weeks, gradually expose your seedlings to more light.
After two weeks outdoors, look for the opportune time to plant. It is best to plant when it is going to be cloudy for a few days. Ideally, with a light rain in the forecast.
Plant at the same depth in the garden or pot as the seedling was in the container. Be gentle when removing the seedling; breaking its stem can kill the plant. Tap on the sides of the container to loosen the soil from the side. Gently turn over and remove the seedling. A spoon can also be used to scoop out the seedling.
If your seedling was in a peat pot, you can plant the pot and all. I like to break open the bottom before planting to give the roots free reign in getting to the garden soil. Don't let any of the peat pot be exposed above the ground as it can act as a wick for removing moisture from around the seedling. Either fold the top edges flat and cover with soil or just tear off the exposed edges.
Once planted, firm the soil just to make sure that there are no air pockets and the seedling has a solid foundation. Fertilizing with a liquid fish emulsions at planting gives the seedlings a nutritional boost.
After your seedlings have sprouted indoors, remove the cover, if using one. Let the top 1/4" of the soil dry out between waterings. I like to put the water in the tray and let the seedlings take up the moisture. If watering overhead, be careful and use a diffused watering head so the tender seedlings are not crushed. Keep the seedlings indoors until the second set of leaves appear; these are the first "true" leaves.
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| Sprouted seedlings in a hydroponic system |
If it is still cold at night, bring your seedlings indoors during these times. Over two weeks, gradually expose your seedlings to more light.
After two weeks outdoors, look for the opportune time to plant. It is best to plant when it is going to be cloudy for a few days. Ideally, with a light rain in the forecast.
Plant at the same depth in the garden or pot as the seedling was in the container. Be gentle when removing the seedling; breaking its stem can kill the plant. Tap on the sides of the container to loosen the soil from the side. Gently turn over and remove the seedling. A spoon can also be used to scoop out the seedling.
If your seedling was in a peat pot, you can plant the pot and all. I like to break open the bottom before planting to give the roots free reign in getting to the garden soil. Don't let any of the peat pot be exposed above the ground as it can act as a wick for removing moisture from around the seedling. Either fold the top edges flat and cover with soil or just tear off the exposed edges.
Once planted, firm the soil just to make sure that there are no air pockets and the seedling has a solid foundation. Fertilizing with a liquid fish emulsions at planting gives the seedlings a nutritional boost.
Keep an eye on your seedlings. Make sure they are getting consistent moisture for the first couple of weeks. if the ground is moist, there is no need to water.
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