Have you ever heard about the term seedling? A seedling is a small plant that just started growing or just sprouted from a seed. They’ve just come out free from their seed coats, bursting with the potential to become the vibrant flowers, scrumptious vegetables, or towering trees you love. Think of them as plant babies taking their first wobbly steps into the world! Isn’t that quite interesting?
What you will learn in this guide?
- Why start with seedlings instead of seeds?
- What are some essential seedling supplies?
- Seedling care and growth
Why start with seedlings instead of seeds?
Here’s why you might choose seedlings over seeds:
- Faster Results: Seedlings have already sprouted and begun growing, so you’ll see flowers or veggies sooner than if you planted seeds.
- More Control: You can keep your seedlings cozy and protected indoors until the weather is just right for them to go outside. Seeds don’t get that kind of special treatment!
- Higher Success Rate: Tiny seeds can be tricky to plant and care for. Starting with seedlings gives them a strong foundation to grow healthy and happy.
- More Variety: Some plants take a long time to grow from seed, or they might be more delicate. Seedlings give you access to a wider range of plants you can enjoy in your garden.
What are Some Essential Seedling Supplies?
To nurture those tiny plant treasures, you’ll need a few essential supplies. They’re not fancy, but they’ll make all the difference for your seedlings’ success!
- Seeds: The stars of the show, of course! Choose seed varieties suited to your climate and season.
- Seedling Trays or Pots: Your seedlings need a place to call home. Opt for seedling trays with drainage holes or individual pots for better airflow. We at BuynFarm Nursery use an inverted pyramid-shaped seedling tray to ensure good growth.
- Potting Mix: This isn’t your average garden soil. Seedlings need a light and airy mix that drains well. Look for “good potting mix” at your local garden store.
- Watering Can or Mister: Seedlings are delicate and need gentle watering. A watering can with a fine spray nozzle or a simple mister will do the trick.
- Light Source: Many seedlings need lots of sunlight to thrive. If natural light isn’t enough, consider using grow lights to give them the extra boost they need.
Bonus Tip: Labels! Keep track of your seedlings by writing down the plant variety and sowing date on small markers or labels.
Seedling Care and Growth:
Now that your tiny plant babies have sprouted, it’s time to help them grow into strong, healthy adults! Here’s what you need to know about seedling care and growth:
- Light Requirement: Seedlings are little sun worshippers. Most need at least 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, invest in grow lights to keep them happy.
- Temperature: Seedlings thrive in a warm and cozy environment. Aim for a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid exposing them to sudden drafts or cold blasts.
- Watering: Seedlings don’t like soggy feet! Use a watering can with a fine spray nozzle or mister to gently dampen the soil surface. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Feeding Time (Optional): The seedling mix usually has enough nutrients for initial growth. However, if your seedlings are growing slowly or look pale, you can introduce a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week or two.
- Space Matters: As your seedlings grow, they’ll need more room. If you started them in trays, consider “thinning” them out. This means gently removing some of the weaker seedlings to give the remaining ones space to develop strong stems and leaves.
- The Great Outdoors (Eventually): Before transplanting your seedlings into the garden, they need to toughen up a bit. This process is called “hardening off.” Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions for a week or two before planting. Start with a few hours a day in shaded areas, then slowly increase the duration and expose them to more direct sunlight.
Bonus Tip: Rotate your seedling trays every few days to ensure even light distribution and prevent them from leaning toward the light source.