Growing a garden can give a person a great deal of satisfaction. Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle with getting their seeds to actually sprout. When the germination process seems to be too much trouble, one may want to consider using starter plugs for plants to make gardening much more pleasurable and successful.
A root cutting or germinated seed that has been cultivated in a single compartment of within a seeding tray, is a plug. These specially formulated pods are made to provide the young seedlings with the right balance of moisture retention, nutrients, and aeration. Organic substances, cardboard, peat, and mineral fibers are some of the materials from which they are commonly constructed.
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.
Pods should be handled gently and with care until their plant is strong and established. When removing them from their tray and placing them into their pot for maturation, one should keep in mind that they are currently in a very tender growth stage and require gentleness and caution. Before transplanting, the root ball needs to be thoroughly soaked in water.
The new container should be filled with a peat based mix that contains no soil but does utilize perlite or vermiculite - two substances that facilitate proper drainage. The plant goes in the center of the pot at a depth equal to the size of the pod to allow for optimum root development. The potting materials should be packed around it firmly, but gently, and thoroughly watered.
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.
Following several weeks being cared for in their protected environment, the plant needs to be introduced to outside conditions in a process known as hardening off. This begins with spending a couple of hours outside daily to be exposed to more realistic temperatures, lighting, and wind. If during the first week they show no negative effects, they should be left out overnight, still being watched for symptoms of shock.
When transferring to the ground, take care to touch the stem minimally. A quality potting mix is recommended to fill the hole so that as the root ball tendrils are met with all the required nutrients as water soaks in and pushes the soil into the air pockets between the roots. Watering with a good fertilizer after planting and on a two week schedule thereafter, will help encourage it to become better established.
A root cutting or germinated seed that has been cultivated in a single compartment of within a seeding tray, is a plug. These specially formulated pods are made to provide the young seedlings with the right balance of moisture retention, nutrients, and aeration. Organic substances, cardboard, peat, and mineral fibers are some of the materials from which they are commonly constructed.
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.
Pods should be handled gently and with care until their plant is strong and established. When removing them from their tray and placing them into their pot for maturation, one should keep in mind that they are currently in a very tender growth stage and require gentleness and caution. Before transplanting, the root ball needs to be thoroughly soaked in water.
The new container should be filled with a peat based mix that contains no soil but does utilize perlite or vermiculite - two substances that facilitate proper drainage. The plant goes in the center of the pot at a depth equal to the size of the pod to allow for optimum root development. The potting materials should be packed around it firmly, but gently, and thoroughly watered.
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.
Following several weeks being cared for in their protected environment, the plant needs to be introduced to outside conditions in a process known as hardening off. This begins with spending a couple of hours outside daily to be exposed to more realistic temperatures, lighting, and wind. If during the first week they show no negative effects, they should be left out overnight, still being watched for symptoms of shock.
When transferring to the ground, take care to touch the stem minimally. A quality potting mix is recommended to fill the hole so that as the root ball tendrils are met with all the required nutrients as water soaks in and pushes the soil into the air pockets between the roots. Watering with a good fertilizer after planting and on a two week schedule thereafter, will help encourage it to become better established.
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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.