Starting in pots
 

For the first time in 'n' years of gardening in So. Calif coastal,
I am starting veg seed in those little degradable pots.

Have always planted straight in the ground, as we generally have mild
weather and can grow seasonal crops all year. But became curious
about the starter pot method, especially as the weather is not as
steady as before (YOU know why).

So, as an experiment, I decided to plant half of the [whatever] seeds
in commercial planting mix, and half in my own compost+ pearlite --
all in degradable pots. (I almost said "potties" because they're so
tiny g.)

What are the ups & downs of transplanting vs. planting
right in the ground? Maybe someone has stats? Particularly
for this Mediterranean-ish climate?

Should have some sprouting results to report in a few weeks.

Persephone

Starting in pots
 

On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:36:25 -0600, Jangchub
wrote:

On Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:25:57 -0800, wrote:


For the first time in 'n' years of gardening in So. Calif coastal,
I am starting veg seed in those little degradable pots.

Have always planted straight in the ground, as we generally have mild
weather and can grow seasonal crops all year. But became curious
about the starter pot method, especially as the weather is not as
steady as before (YOU know why).

So, as an experiment, I decided to plant half of the [whatever] seeds
in commercial planting mix, and half in my own compost+ pearlite --
all in degradable pots. (I almost said "potties" because they're so
tiny g.)

What are the ups & downs of transplanting vs. planting
right in the ground? Maybe someone has stats? Particularly
for this Mediterranean-ish climate?

Should have some sprouting results to report in a few weeks.

Persephone

The downside is that the peatpot wicks water away from the root zone
of the seedlings if you miss watering and the other suggestion I can
make is to cut slats in them top to bottom leaving the two rims in
tact. This will help with the roots leaving the pot and not having to
push through the tough compressed peat.

Yeah, I wondered about that! Seems quite an effort on the part of
the little plant.

My next suggestion is one I've used with great success and that is to
fill a dish pan with warm or luke tepid water and add liquid seaweed
to it. Gently place the peat pots into the tub and allow the root
ball to become completely saturated before you plant them into the
ground. Seaweed has a natural root stimulant and helps with any
transplant shock. Make sure you acclimate the plants into full sun
slowly with increments added daily more and more till they can sit in
full sun all day. Be sure never to let the pots completely dry out,
but don't keep them too wet, either; just the day you plant in the
ground saturate them drippy.


Would that apply equally to the half that is in commercial planting
mix, as well as the half that is in my compost?

I went online for liquid seaweed and found much as you outlined
transplanting. Tx for tip.

Persephone

Starting in pots
 

On Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:25:57 -0800, wrote:


For the first time in 'n' years of gardening in So. Calif coastal,
I am starting veg seed in those little degradable pots.

Have always planted straight in the ground, as we generally have mild
weather and can grow seasonal crops all year. But became curious
about the starter pot method, especially as the weather is not as
steady as before (YOU know why).

So, as an experiment, I decided to plant half of the [whatever] seeds
in commercial planting mix, and half in my own compost+ pearlite --
all in degradable pots. (I almost said "potties" because they're so
tiny g.)

What are the ups & downs of transplanting vs. planting
right in the ground? Maybe someone has stats? Particularly
for this Mediterranean-ish climate?

Should have some sprouting results to report in a few weeks.

Persephone



Usually, better off planting straight into the ground--no transplant
shock, less damping off, larger fuller plant, more fruit. Some plants
transplant much better than others.

Last year I started some basil plants in 4" clay pots. They grew to
about 2 feet tall. The ones sowed directly in the garden grew 4 feet
tall and much larger, stronger, and more aromatic plants.

Experimentation is always a good idea. I often use coleus for
experiments because they grow so fast and react adversely to
environment changes.