| | If you are starting from seed, then it's time to talk about transplanting. In many zones, it's still not time to transplant outdoors yet but it may be time to move your seedling to a larger container indoors.
Growing from seed is a 3-step process. Step One involves planting the seed in a small cell, like an egg carton. After your seeds begin to sprout, then it's time for Step Two where the seedling is transplanted to a larger container that will allow it more room to grow. Then after the last frost has passed, it's time for Step Three which is where your vegetable plant is transplanted into its final container or garden location.
It can be a bit confusing, so today we are covering the Three Most Common Questions we get about transplanting.
1. Why can’t we just plant seeds directly into the garden?
We get this question A LOT. Root vegetables like carrot, turnip, radishes and parsnips should be planted directly into the garden. They have sensitive root systems and don't transplant well. Most other vegetables will benefit greatly from a healthy start indoors.
One important reason is that waiting to start from seed outdoors won’t give your plant the time it needs to grow before the first fall frost comes or before it gets too hot in the summer. For example, peppers grow more slowly and take as many as 19 weeks from seed to harvest and in many zones, the outdoor growing season just isn’t always that long.
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| 2. How many times do I need to transplant the vegetable?
Think of growing plants from seed like raising a baby. Many babies start out in a bassinet where they feel cozy and protected. After a short time, the baby begins to outgrow the bassinet and is ready to move to its crib. Then before you know it, your little baby has outgrown its crib and is ready for a full size bed.
The same progression is true for plants.
They generally start in small seed starter cells or even egg cartons. Then as they grow, they move on to the next size pot, which is generally a little bigger, like the photo above. They spend a few weeks here continuing to grow and build their root structure until they’re ready for the great outdoors.
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| 3. What if I don't want to go through the hassle of planting from seeds?
No problem. That's what nurseries are for. They sell plants that have been raised from seed that can be taken home and immediately planted into a container or in a garden. There is a cost for this convenience though. Purchasing these plants costs on average $5/each versus raising plants from seed which costs only a fraction of that.
We also find that our garden friends like to purchase seeds that are organic and non-GMO. Sometimes that's hard to find at local nurseries.
In the end, it's simply a matter of choice and convenience. Both are great options. |
| | | For those planting from seed, here is our latest step-by-step video that covers everything you need to know about transplanting. Enjoy :) |
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If you haven't already, be sure to check out the newest summer crops & containers on the Start A Garden site.
Next up we'll be covering some of our favorite DIY garden beds that you can easily make outdoors. Stay tuned!
Kirk Curry Master Gardener Co-Founder, Start A Garden |
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