Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting

jkahn2eb 1/24/2011, 10:30 am

I read Mel's recommendations in the book - lift by the ears when they are big enough enough and not to wait too long because roots can get tangled with other plants.

I transplanted a bunch of broccoli, romaine lettuce and a few tomatoes into plastic cups with drilled drainage holes and filled with Mel's Mix. Only a couple tomatoes survived, the broccoli looks strong but the lettuce is so-so.

I had them in the shade for 3 days and now they get a little morning sun thru the window but no heavy sun/heat.

What tricks do you all have to have healthier little ones? I am leaning towards erring on the side of caution by not lifting out of Mel's Mix until the stems/stalks of each plant look very sturdy. Any advice would be appreciated - would like to have high success rates here. study

Megan 2/20/2011, 8:00 am

Hi jkahn2eb,

I am not very good at growing transplants, but have had good luck planting seeds directly in final growing place. Something like lettuce I would plant in place if at all possible; it grows quickly enough that you don't lose much time.

Welcome to the forum, and happy gardening! $glad you\'re here$ flower

jerzyjen 2/20/2011, 8:21 am

No disrespect to Mel, but that whole vermiculite thing scares me. I'm too scared of touching baby seedlings that size. I have always done my starts the more "traditional" way, I get organic seed starting mix and start them right into the pots. I've had no problems as long as the soil temp has been around 65-70 degrees. I personally did not have good luck using a sunny window so I switched to shop lights and a heating pad in my basement, but that's just me, I've heard people have had success with window starts depending on the amount of sun and the ambient temps in that area of your house.

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Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting

Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting

Re: Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting

Re: Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting

Re: Moving seedlings from vermiculite into trays before ultimately planting


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