Creating your own wellness: Part 4
Spring is officially here, excitement is in the air, I know we are all ready for the break in the weather and getting outside....Bulb perennials are popping up , blooming, and we are full force in spring fever. Unfortunately, not quite the time for transplanting outside as the weather is still unstable and frost threats are still applicable. Yet greenhouse grows are underway and seedlings are in full sprouting, some ready for the transplant so a healthier grow can continue.
I always love this next step and get nervous at the same time, transplanting is hard on any plant but much more so on seedlings as they are not established or as hardy yet. For this article we will focus on transplanting seedlings.
First thing with seedlings is to wait to transplant until it has formed a pair of secondary or true leaves. True leaves are hardier than the first leaves that sprout, also an indicator that the seedling is in an established growth cycle.
Water the seedlings and wait about an hour , this dampens the soil and makes it easier to remove .
While waiting , choose your transplant pot, usually 1 size larger , its better to gradually increase your pot size. Cover the drainage hole with mesh or a coffee filter , this helps the dirt form falling out and still allows water to drain. If you choose a pot with out a drainage hole put 1-2 inches (depending on pot size) of gravel or pebbles. Fill your pot with potting soil with equal parts rich loam, sand/perlite and organic matter , about 1 inch from the rim of your new pot. ( it is best not to use gardening soil or soil from outside as there are usually insects, fungi that a seedling is not used to and often will get sick or die.) Dampen the soil with warm water and wait about an hour .
Remove the seedling with a spoon, paying special care to remove as much of the root as possible, if a little rips out it will be okay you just want to have as much of the established seedling as possible for the optimal transplant. Never pull out by the stem .
Poke a small hole in the new pot , place the seedling in the hole making sure all roots are covered, then gently pat the soil around the seedling. You will want to water the seedling thoroughly, adding a water soluble fertilizer is also a good idea (make sure to check it is the right kind for your plant ), this will aid in a faster recovery. Keep the soil damp but not soggy . Keep the plant warm, but don't put in full sunlight yet, as it could shock it. Gradually move the plant into sunlight over the next few days. You can mist the plant if you notice it wilting and cover with plastic in a cool area then move into direct sunlight after a few days.
After the next few days, do not water again until the top layer of the soil is dry, avoiding drenching the plant. Over watering can lead to root rot, mold, damping off and pests.
Transplanting seedlings, starting that next step of gardening in the new season is so rewarding, exciting and is a wonderful time of planning for new life, new herbal and medicinal stock to be harvested.
Coming in the next blog, more on transplanting, grow cycle and general grow tips.
Enjoy the empowering process of growing and creating your own wellness that is kind to you and our environment! Relax, Release, & Recoup!
* This blog is based off my personal growing experiences and in no way speculates this is the only way of growing plants , herbs ,flowers etc... Always do your own research and in growing everything is trial and error. I have had many an error and have learned along the way , it is part of the beauty of gardening and plant propagation. Enjoy, Relax, Release and Recoup!
