9/5/2023 0 Comments Vegetable seedlingsThen why don’t we just start seeds in those larger 6 to 8 inch containers from the get-go, you ask? That way, we don’t need to pot up at all, right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. All of the supplies we use are durable and reusable, which we sanitize between seasons. We’ll usually start seeds in the 6-packs or smaller round 4″ pots, and then pot up to the 6″ pots and 8″ pots as needed. After that, we’ll move them into 6-inch or 8-inch pots. By starting them in slightly larger containers, like these reusable 4” nursery pots, we don’t need to pot up until about 6 to 8 weeks after germination. As I mentioned before, we usually avoid starting larger vegetable seedlings in tiny-hole trays. Plants will feel cramped and overgrown in those fairly quickly. Smaller containers, like those trays with dozens of cells each, are going to require potting up sooner. The best time to pot up a seedling greatly depends on the size of container you started it in. There is no set rule like, “You must pot up within 33 days of germination”… The factors that influence the best time for potting up seedlings include their container size, the type of plant, when they’re intended to be planted outside, and how vigorously they are growing. The timing for when to pot up is going to vary from gardener to gardener, situation to situation, and plant to plant. Even if you have been feeding with an occasional dilute seaweed extract, the plants will definitely enjoy a slighter richer, heartier soil now! Seedling soil is very fluffy and pretty devoid of nutrients. Lastly, the potting up process feeds the seedlings! If you started seeds in straight seedling mix, or a mix with primarily seedling soil like we do, chances are they’re hungry. Taking care of seedlings can be tedious enough, but especially so if they’re drying out on you every day!ģ. You’ll notice that a small 6-pack full of soil and yet-to-sprout seeds will retain moisture much longer than a small 6-pack full of maturing, thirsty seedlings. Another reason to pot up seedlings is that as their roots grow larger, they drink more water, and thus dry out more quickly. Therefore, we try to prevent root binding in the first place, to reduce the amount we need to disturb the roots later.Ģ. They might even get a bit of transplant shock from it. However, some don’t take a liking to this treatment. Some plants don’t mind a little root-ruffling, and breaking up that ball can encourage the roots to spread as we want them to. ![]() However, this could either help them, or harm them. Plants with tight, bound root balls can be gently loosened during the time they’re transplanted. Plant health is directly tied to root health, so this means the plants are also less likely to flourish.Ī root-bound tomato seedling, left in a too-small container too long. This can reduce the roots ability to spread out and flourish after they’re planted out in the garden. When a plants roots are being restricted to the point that they start to grow in circles around themselves, they become tangled and “bound up”. By potting up seedlings into larger containers, it enables their roots to continue to grow without getting root-bound. Potting up seedlings as they grow provides them the best chance to grow stronger and bigger, feel less stressed, and live their best life!ġ. We’ll talk more about container sizes shortly. This reduces the urgency to do it so soon after germination. Knowing this about myself, we try to combat this and set ourselves (and plants) up for success from the very beginning – by starting seeds in larger containers. ![]() Over all the other things I need to do around the homestead, this is one chore that I consistently put off until it’s urgently due. It isn’t all that difficult, but does take a little time and effort. To be honest, potting up is a task I dread for some reason. It is simply the act of transplanting seedlings “up” into larger containers than they were previously living in. Potting up couldn’t get any more literal. Those tomato seedlings on the left need to be potted up still! The ones on the right just were.
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