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Planting and Maintenance

How and when should starts be transplanted to the soil?

Seeds should be started about 8 weeks before you anticipate the last spring frost to fall, any earlier and your seedlings are likely to outgrow their flat trays and pots.

You’ll want to purchase an indoor growing kit, which includes wide-spectrum light bulbs and a frame with which to hang them, as the March and April sunshine coming through your window will likely not be strong enough to nourish your plants.

Indoor seedlings require a lot of attention, 14 hours of light a day and careful monitoring. Water them daily to maintain a “medium moisture,” but do not let the soil get too soggy or too dry as this can stunt their growth or cause rotting and infection.

Fertilize with fish emulsion or liquid fertilizer at 50% the recommended levels, as the plants are fragile at this stage in their lives.

At about 2-3 inches in height, gently transfer the seedlings to larger containers.

Last frost dates vary widely depending on your growing region, but north of the equator it is usually mid-May to early June. When nocturnal temperatures average above 50°F (11-15°C) it is a good time to transfer your starts to your garden.

Transfer your starts outside, but keep them in their flats or pots. Allow them to adjust to the sunlight by keeping them in the shade for a few days, then graduate to full sunshine. Make a shallow pit in the soil for each start, big enough to accommodate their roots, then delicately pat the edges of the hole around the base of the seedlings and lightly pat the soil down.

 

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Comments & Feedback – Thank You

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