There is something so satisfying about growing a garden. However, many people have a really hard time starting with seeds and are often met with failure. For those individuals who just can not seem to get the hang of germination, starter plugs for plants may be the first step to making their gardening dream a reality.
A plug is a germinated seed or rooted cutting that has been started in an individual growing compartment of a seedling tray. They have been raised in soil conditions that have just the right nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention, required for the most efficient growth of healthy root system. They can be made from many materials, including mineral fibers, peat, cardboard, or organic substances.
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.
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.
The plant should remain in this container for several weeks being given plenty of attention to ensure strong growth that will allow it to survive in outdoor conditions. This includes making sure it receives proper light, being turned regularly so that all leaves are able to feed from the sun. It also requires protection from extreme temperatures and needs to be fed with a water soluble fertilizer regularly.
After being protected for a few more weeks, the plant then needs to be hardened off, or made ready for outdoor conditions. This process starts with taking them outside for a few hours each day so that they can acclimate and adjust to the difference. If they do well the first week, it is okay to try leaving them outdoors overnight though they should be monitored for signs of shock.
When they are ready to go into the ground, remember that the stem should be handled as little as possible. A proper planting mix should be used to fill in the hole around the ball to ensure that the root system will be surrounded by proper nutrients, and then thoroughly soaked to encourage the soil to settle into any air pockets. For best results, water with fertilizer initially, and every two weeks after, until well established.
A plug is a germinated seed or rooted cutting that has been started in an individual growing compartment of a seedling tray. They have been raised in soil conditions that have just the right nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention, required for the most efficient growth of healthy root system. They can be made from many materials, including mineral fibers, peat, cardboard, or organic substances.
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.
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.
The plant should remain in this container for several weeks being given plenty of attention to ensure strong growth that will allow it to survive in outdoor conditions. This includes making sure it receives proper light, being turned regularly so that all leaves are able to feed from the sun. It also requires protection from extreme temperatures and needs to be fed with a water soluble fertilizer regularly.
After being protected for a few more weeks, the plant then needs to be hardened off, or made ready for outdoor conditions. This process starts with taking them outside for a few hours each day so that they can acclimate and adjust to the difference. If they do well the first week, it is okay to try leaving them outdoors overnight though they should be monitored for signs of shock.
When they are ready to go into the ground, remember that the stem should be handled as little as possible. A proper planting mix should be used to fill in the hole around the ball to ensure that the root system will be surrounded by proper nutrients, and then thoroughly soaked to encourage the soil to settle into any air pockets. For best results, water with fertilizer initially, and every two weeks after, until well 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.
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