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 contains a germinated seed or a root cutting which are individually started in their own seeding tray compartment. They are grown in specialized soil pods that have a perfect balance of aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient content, for the most effective conditions for stimulated root development. They are made from a variety of materials such as peat, organic substances, mineral fibers, and cardboard.
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.
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.
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.
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 contains a germinated seed or a root cutting which are individually started in their own seeding tray compartment. They are grown in specialized soil pods that have a perfect balance of aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient content, for the most effective conditions for stimulated root development. They are made from a variety of materials such as peat, organic substances, mineral fibers, and cardboard.
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.
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.
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.
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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