Growing one's own garden can be so incredibly satisfying. Though for many people, starting with seeds can be extremely difficult and quite often, unsuccessful. For those who have had no luck with the germination process, starter plugs for plants of all types may be the perfect solution and the beginning of making a gardening dream come true.
A plug contains a germinated seed or a root cutting which are individually started in their own seeding tray compartment. They are grown in specialized soil pods that have a perfect balance of aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient content, for the most effective conditions for stimulated root development. They are made from a variety of materials such as peat, organic substances, mineral fibers, and cardboard.
There are advantages to starting one's garden - regardless of whether it be vegetables, flowers, succulents, or greenery - in this way. For one, they save a lot of time getting things going because the plant has already done its most crucial period of growth prior to being transplanted into its final place in a container or bed. Time is not wasted waiting on seeds that never germinate, or seedlings that are failing to thrive.
Until a plant is firmly established, pods need to be carefully handled to avoid damaging the growth. This is a tender development period so when getting ready to remove them from the seedling tray to transplant them into their maturation pot, remember to use caution and care. Upon initial removal, the root ball should be completely and gently drenched with water.
Inside the maturation container, one needs to use a potting mix that is peat, rather than soil, with a bit of either perlite or vermiculite included to facilitate effective drainage. Place the seedling directly in the middle and make sure the depth is at least twice that of the pod so that it roots can develop properly. Finish up by firmly filling in the hole around the stem - gently - and then watering thoroughly.
For the next few weeks, the plant should stay in this pot and be provided with the necessary attention that will ensure that it grows strong enough to tolerate outside conditions. Part of the care includes making sure it receives adequate lighting, turning it often to make sure each leaf receives an ample amount of sunlight. It is important that the young seedlings also be protected against extreme temperatures and receive regular feeding of a water soluble fertilizer.
After a few weeks in a protected environment, they need to be hardened off - or conditioned to being outside. For about 10-14 days they need a couple of hours exposure to the outdoors to allow them time to adjust and acclimate to the way they will soon be living full time. After the seventh day, if the plant has done well, it can be left out overnight for the first time.
Be careful to have as little contact with the stem as possible whenever putting the plant into the ground. The hole should be filled in with a high quality potting mix that will be pushed into the gaps between tendrils when watered so that the root ball will receive vital nutrients to grow. Using a good water soluble fertilizer upon planting and each two weeks thereafter, can encourage it to become firmly established.
A plug contains a germinated seed or a root cutting which are individually started in their own seeding tray compartment. They are grown in specialized soil pods that have a perfect balance of aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient content, for the most effective conditions for stimulated root development. They are made from a variety of materials such as peat, organic substances, mineral fibers, and cardboard.
There are advantages to starting one's garden - regardless of whether it be vegetables, flowers, succulents, or greenery - in this way. For one, they save a lot of time getting things going because the plant has already done its most crucial period of growth prior to being transplanted into its final place in a container or bed. Time is not wasted waiting on seeds that never germinate, or seedlings that are failing to thrive.
Until a plant is firmly established, pods need to be carefully handled to avoid damaging the growth. This is a tender development period so when getting ready to remove them from the seedling tray to transplant them into their maturation pot, remember to use caution and care. Upon initial removal, the root ball should be completely and gently drenched with water.
Inside the maturation container, one needs to use a potting mix that is peat, rather than soil, with a bit of either perlite or vermiculite included to facilitate effective drainage. Place the seedling directly in the middle and make sure the depth is at least twice that of the pod so that it roots can develop properly. Finish up by firmly filling in the hole around the stem - gently - and then watering thoroughly.
For the next few weeks, the plant should stay in this pot and be provided with the necessary attention that will ensure that it grows strong enough to tolerate outside conditions. Part of the care includes making sure it receives adequate lighting, turning it often to make sure each leaf receives an ample amount of sunlight. It is important that the young seedlings also be protected against extreme temperatures and receive regular feeding of a water soluble fertilizer.
After a few weeks in a protected environment, they need to be hardened off - or conditioned to being outside. For about 10-14 days they need a couple of hours exposure to the outdoors to allow them time to adjust and acclimate to the way they will soon be living full time. After the seventh day, if the plant has done well, it can be left out overnight for the first time.
Be careful to have as little contact with the stem as possible whenever putting the plant into the ground. The hole should be filled in with a high quality potting mix that will be pushed into the gaps between tendrils when watered so that the root ball will receive vital nutrients to grow. Using a good water soluble fertilizer upon planting and each two weeks thereafter, can encourage it to become firmly established.
About the Author:
Find a list of the advantages you get when you use starter plugs for plants and more info about a reputable nursery at http://www.groundcovertogo.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.main/typeID/38/index.htm right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment