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 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.
Whether wanting to grow flowers, greenery, vegetables, or succulents, it can be advantageous to begin the garden in this manner. To start with, things come together a lot faster because the most time consuming and crucial growth period is done before it is ever placed into its final container or bed. No time is wasted on seeds that fail to germinate, or those seedlings that are substandard and unable to thrive.
Until a plant is firmly established, pods need to be carefully handled to avoid damaging the growth. This is a tender development period so when getting ready to remove them from the seedling tray to transplant them into their maturation pot, remember to use caution and care. Upon initial removal, the root ball should be completely and gently drenched with 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.
Over the next few weeks it will require lots of care and attention to make sure it is able to grow sturdy enough to survive in the conditions outdoors. This means giving it adequate light and turning it regularly to allow all of the leaves to get ample sunshine. It will also need to be protected from extreme hot or cold temperatures and fed routinely with a water soluble fertilizer.
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 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.
Whether wanting to grow flowers, greenery, vegetables, or succulents, it can be advantageous to begin the garden in this manner. To start with, things come together a lot faster because the most time consuming and crucial growth period is done before it is ever placed into its final container or bed. No time is wasted on seeds that fail to germinate, or those seedlings that are substandard and unable to thrive.
Until a plant is firmly established, pods need to be carefully handled to avoid damaging the growth. This is a tender development period so when getting ready to remove them from the seedling tray to transplant them into their maturation pot, remember to use caution and care. Upon initial removal, the root ball should be completely and gently drenched with 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.
Over the next few weeks it will require lots of care and attention to make sure it is able to grow sturdy enough to survive in the conditions outdoors. This means giving it adequate light and turning it regularly to allow all of the leaves to get ample sunshine. It will also need to be protected from extreme hot or cold temperatures and fed routinely with a water soluble fertilizer.
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 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.
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