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.
Regardless of whether one wants to grow greenery, succulents, flowers, or vegetables, there are several advantages to getting started with pods. One such benefit is that quite a bit of time is actually saved as that crucial - yet very slow - growth period is done before purchase. This allows the gardener to focus only on viable specimens and not waste energy on weak seedlings that can not thrive or seeds that do not germinate.
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.
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.
Be careful to have as little contact with the stem as possible whenever putting the plant into the ground. The hole should be filled in with a high quality potting mix that will be pushed into the gaps between tendrils when watered so that the root ball will receive vital nutrients to grow. Using a good water soluble fertilizer upon planting and each two weeks thereafter, can encourage it to become firmly 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.
Regardless of whether one wants to grow greenery, succulents, flowers, or vegetables, there are several advantages to getting started with pods. One such benefit is that quite a bit of time is actually saved as that crucial - yet very slow - growth period is done before purchase. This allows the gardener to focus only on viable specimens and not waste energy on weak seedlings that can not thrive or seeds that do not germinate.
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.
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.
Be careful to have as little contact with the stem as possible whenever putting the plant into the ground. The hole should be filled in with a high quality potting mix that will be pushed into the gaps between tendrils when watered so that the root ball will receive vital nutrients to grow. Using a good water soluble fertilizer upon planting and each two weeks thereafter, can encourage it to become firmly 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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