Growing in Containers

Seeding into Small Containers

Supplies: Seeds, starting pots (plastic cells, newspaper pots, yogurt cups with drainage holes, etc), starting mix (may include peat, vermiculite, and fine worm castings), drain tray, and spray bottle/pump sprayer.

Process:

  1. Fill starting pots/cells with pre-moistened starting mix.
  2. In each pot/cell, make a shallow indentation into the starting mix with your finger and place 1-2 seeds into each hole. The seeds should be covered to a depth of 2-3 times the diameter of the seed.
  3. Label.
  4. Mist with water (keep moist but not water-logged).

Protect your plantings from cold weather. Once seedlings germinate, they need full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight).

Up-Potting into Larger Containers

Supplies: 2" - 4" wide pots and potting mix (may include peat, perlite, compost, pine bark, worm castings, fertilizer, and other nutrient amendments).

Process:

Once seedlings develop "true" leaves, they can be moved into larger pots.

  1. Fill the pots halfway with well-moistened potting mix.
  2. Thoroughly water the seedlings and carefully remove each from the starting pot (a butter knife helps) and place them in a larger pot.
  3. Add additional potting mix until the seedling is secure, standing straight, and all roots are covered.

Transplanting into the Garden

Supplies: Small spade and a garden with nutrient-rich soil.

Process: Once the plant has established strong roots and is about the height of its pot, it can be transplanted into the garden.

  1. Allow the plant to "harden-off" by placing it outdoors a week before transplanting to adjust to wind, sunlight, and varying temperatures.
  2. Prepare the garden with compost and other soil amendments.
  3. Water the plant thoroughly.
  4. Dig a small hole and place the plant with potting mix into the hole, following plant spacing requirements.
  5. Cover up the roots and keep the soil moistened but not water-logged.

Laurel's tip! Keeping your newly transplanted plant's roots moist helps mitigate transplant shock! :)

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Source

University of Florida/IFAS Extension; obtained via a pamphlet from Leon County, FL's 2024 Spring event.