Transplanting Seedlings

Now that the second set of leaves has formed, it's time to place the seedlings into a larger pot. The second set of leaves lets you know that the root systems are vigorous enough to support more growth, which means they will soon be outgrowing their tiny starter homes! I remove mine from the germination plots and put them into their paper pots. Now I can turn off the germination mats and let them grow under their lights but in a little cooler setting. As the days warm later on, it will be time to harden them off before they go out into the garden.

Some people have asked what to do to prevent the 'damping off' disease that so often affects seedlings. Damping off disease is a fungal disease that can affect new seedlings causing them to 'tip over' and die. At least that's what it looks like they do, just lay down and die!!! First of all, you need to start with a sterile seed starting mix. I know some gardeners who put some sand around the base of the seedlings which they say inhibits the fungal growth in the soil around the base of the plant. I put a small fan in the room near the grow lights and seedling trays and turn it on low. The particular room where I have my seedlings doesn't have good air circulation and this has helped tremendously. Although you don't want your seedlings to dry out, don't keep them sopping wet. Adding the fan also helps strengthen the stems of the seedlings by swaying them to and fro. After all, if they were started outside that's what they'd be doing, and the increased air circulation helps prevent any fungal growth.

Since we've been inundated with rain, we can't start building the garden beds until next week. The area we were going to plant is still just too wet. We're due to get some decent sunny days starting on the weekend, so hopefully it will be dry enough to dig in the dirt!