23 March 2023, by Barbara Pleasant
Seedling season is here, and it’s time to nurture tiny plants with unique needs. Whether you’re starting vegetables or flowers, there are key strategies to help your seedlings grow strong, healthy, and ready to thrive in the garden. From simple physical movements to exposing them to light changes, here are five tips to grow robust seedlings that can easily handle transplanting without stress.
1. Keep Them Moving
Plants are constantly affected by forces like wind, rain, and gravity, even though they’re rooted in place. To mimic these natural forces, add movement to your seedlings’ environment. A fun way to do this is by placing solar-powered dancers or other small toys under grow lights. These toys move gently with the light, creating a slight breeze that encourages stronger stems.
Brushing the seedlings, either with your hand or a soft cloth, is another effective method. This action encourages the stems to grow thicker and stronger, helping them withstand stronger winds once they are outdoors. Seedlings like onions and leeks, which grow from a basal crown, particularly benefit from this treatment. Additionally, using a small fan for a few minutes several times a day can help improve stem strength and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like damping off.
2. It’s Good to Talk
It might sound surprising, but talking to your plants can actually help them grow. A 2009 study in the UK found that tomato plants exposed to human voices grew larger, possibly due to the vibrations created by sound waves. While the idea that talking to plants enriches the air with carbon dioxide has not been proven, plants do respond to sound, just like we do. Natural sounds, such as a gentle rain or birds chirping, are within the decibel range that can soothe seedlings. They may even be disturbed by louder sounds, like thunder, which could affect their growth.
3. Keep It Light
Seedlings grown indoors often get consistent light from grow lights, but the intensity and direction of sunlight will vary outdoors. To help prepare them for the outdoor transition, it’s helpful to expose them to different lighting conditions. Rotate your seedlings under various light sources as they grow, including a bright south-facing window as they near transplanting. Direct sunlight is especially important as it helps the seedlings develop chloroplasts, which are essential for energy production.
4. Don’t Overfeed
Seedlings primarily rely on light for energy, but they also need nutrients to grow. While they can absorb some nutrients from the soil, a light dose of fertilizer can give them a boost once they have at least three true leaves. Mix a water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength and apply it when the soil is moist, not dry. Overfeeding can lead to nutrient imbalances, so it’s important to use a gentle approach.
5. Don’t Give Up!
Starting seeds can be a mix of successes and setbacks. Even when you follow all the steps correctly, some seedlings may not thrive. Don’t get discouraged. The key is to keep experimenting. As the days get longer and warmer, continue sowing seeds for cool-season crops, then move on to heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes. With practice, you’ll have a productive garden full of healthy, thriving plants.
By applying these tips, you’ll help your seedlings grow into strong, resilient plants ready to face the challenges of the garden. Happy planting!