Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
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 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
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 |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Starting in pots
|
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|