Seedling planting mistakes: Fix them to help your tiny plants survive

Seedlings can help a gardener grow many plants more efficiently, but only if done right.

While seedlings can really help you grow more plants sooner, a few mistakes can kill most of your seedlings.

Here are the most popular mistakes.

Planting seedlings too early

Planting seedlings too early, when the soil is still cold or the risk of frost is high, can result in stunted growth or even death. 

Neglecting to harden off seedlings

Seedlings grown indoors or in a greenhouse need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting. 

This process, known as hardening off, involves exposing the seedlings to increasing amounts of sunlight, wind, and outdoor temperatures over several days. 

Planting seedlings too deep or too shallow

Planting seedlings too deep can hinder their ability to emerge, while planting them too shallow may expose the roots and lead to drying out. 

Overcrowding seedlings

It's tempting to plant seedlings close together to maximize space, but overcrowding can lead to competition for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. 

Ignoring soil preparation

Amend the soil with compost or other organic materials to provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure. 

Overwatering or underwatering

Monitor the moisture level of the soil and water seedlings as needed, considering factors such as the plant's water requirements, weather conditions, and soil drainage.
 

• Related news:
• seedlings
• seeds
• planting
• gardening mistakes
• 20 June 2023

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