It takes time and work until a seed becomes a strong young plant for planting. In addition to good conditions, the delicate plants also need enough attention so that they develop optimally. Pricking out is an important care measure.
How should you plant seedlings?
To plant seedlings successfully, you should check root development, repot strong young plants in a mixture of potting soil and sand and acclimate them to the outdoor climate before putting them in the bed.
Isolate seedlings
As soon as the roots of the seedlings have developed strongly, it is time to repot. Both frost-sensitive and hardy species should be grown in a pot for a few weeks before planting outdoors. Here the plants have enough time to develop a strong root ball and strong shoots.
Control root development:
- Lift the coconut tablets out of the shell and examine the underside
- Lifting plants out of the potting soil with a cake server
- Seedlings are ready when numerous strong roots are visible
Repotting correctly
Prick out the early young plants by picking strong and he althy specimens out of the sowing soil with a stick. Use a plastic pot for each seedling and fill it with a mixture of potting soil and sand.
Herbs and vegetables grow in special soil (€6.00 at Amazon) from the garden store that is low in nutrients. This encourages the plants to form roots. Place the young plants in the substrate and press it down well. After thorough watering, the pots move to a bright and warm place.
Tip
Coconut sticks prove beneficial in this step. A seedling grows in each tab, which does not need to be pricked out, but is potted together with the substrate.
Planting young plants
If the young plants are to grow in pots, the season doesn't play a big role when it comes to potting. For frost-sensitive plants, planting outdoors should only take place after the Ice Saints in mid-May. More robust varieties can be added to the bed earlier.
Getting plants used to the outdoor climate
Getting used to the conditions in the garden starts in April. If the climate is mild, place the plant pots in a protected place on the balcony or terrace during the day. Avoid placing in direct sunlight as this causes burns. Gradually extend the standing time until the vessels are permanently outside. The plants can then move into the bed.
