![]() ![]() With both methods, the seeds must be started in a well-drained, well-aerated, sterile soilless media. Finish growing the plants in these containers until they are ready to plant outdoors. The stem is fragile, and the slightest injury can cause permanent damage. Hold each seedling by the cotyledons or “seed leaves,” and not by the stem. When one or two sets of true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into larger containers. Because seeds are extremely sensitive to drying out, cover the flats with plastic wrap or a plastic germination dome to retain moisture until all the seeds have germinated. In the two-step method, sow the seeds in a flat. If the excess peat is not removed, essential moisture for the plant may wick up through the peat pot, thus causing the plant to dry out quickly. If the edge of the peat pot is above the container soil level, tear the extra peat off so that the edge of the pot does not stick out above the garden soil. When biodegradable pots or peat are used, they should be cut or removed on one side before planting. When transplants are large enough to plant in the garden, make sure to remove plastic carefully before planting. Some common household containers include cut-off milk cartons, plastic jugs, yogurt cups, or margarine tubs. (This bag should be removed when the seedlings begin to appear.) The container could be a peat pot, peat pellet, multiple cell tray, or a container with a hole punched in the bottom for drainage. Once seeded, the container can be put in a plastic bag closed at the top with a twist-tie to keep the soil moist. In the one-step approach, seed directly into a plastic or biodegradable container. There are two basic methods of growing transplants from seed, the one-step and two-step methods. This helps to reduce potential weed, disease, and insect pests.īuy seeds from reputable dealers and always look for well-adapted varieties that have insect and disease resistance. Quality transplants will begin to grow once planted, reducing the time from planting to harvest. Beans, corn, and carrots do not do well as transplants and should be planted directly from seed into the garden. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, lettuce, onions, and sweet potatoes transplant easily. For best growth, transplants require time, warmth, consistent moisture, adequate light, and additional time to harden off. Seed starting soilless mix, containers or trays, lights, a fan, a timer, and water-soluble fertilizer are all that is needed to grow successful transplants. Eight varieties of cabbage ready to be put in the garden. ![]()
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