From Transplant to Harvest - Tips to give your little guys the best chance to serve you!

Transplanting seedlings can be tricky and sometimes daunting if you do not know what you are doing. Good thing Gro-Pak experts are here to help guide you!

With the convenience of online shopping, it's easier than ever to start your gardening journey by ordering seedlings from Gro-Pak and have them delivered straight to your door. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your seedlings thrive and flourish in their new home.

Gather Your Supplies

• Suitable pots or containers
• High-quality potting mix
• Small gardening tools (hand spade, hand fork, hand rake, watering can)
• Labels and markers
• A location with appropriate lighting (indoor or outdoor)

And the final ingredient: receive your seedlings and prepare them for transplanting.

 Choose the Right Containers or space in your Garden

Select pots or containers that are appropriate for the type of seedlings you have. Keep in mind that you may need to transplant more than once. The containers should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, and they should be clean and free of any contaminants.

Prepare the Potting Mix

Use a high-quality potting mix that provides nutrients and drainage for your seedlings. Fill your containers with the potting mix.

Transplanting Seedlings

Now, it's time to transplant your seedlings:

• Water the seedlings: Before transplanting, give your seedlings a gentle watering. This helps to moisten the root ball and ease removal from their original containers. You can also lightly water your container that you will be transplanting in, but make sure that it is not saturated.
• If transplanting from a larger pot, loosen the root ball: Gently remove the seedlings from their original containers. Be careful not to damage the roots. If they are tightly packed, gently tease them apart. You may find that soil falls loose of the roots while doing this, make sure not to damage the roots though. Young plugs can usually be directly transplanted without this step.
• Plant at the right depth: Dig a small hole in the potting mix with your spade and place the seedling in it. Plant your seedling to the same depth as the root ball, make sure that the soil covers the seedling slightly but is not covering any leaves or the stem.
• Pat the soil: Carefully pat down the soil around the seedling to eliminate air pockets and provide stability.
• Label your seedlings: Use labels and markers to identify each seedling and keep track of their varieties.
• Be sure to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them directly into your garden.
• If you do transplant the young plugs directly into the garden, ensure you pay extra attention to them while they establish.

Water and Maintain

After transplanting, give your seedlings a light water to remove air pockets and help the seedling to settle into its new home. Avoid disturbing the soil. Ensure that the soil remains consistently damp but not waterlogged or saturated. Place your seedlings in an appropriate location, whether indoors or outdoors, based on their specific light and temperature requirements.

Monitor and Care for Your Seedlings

Keep a close eye on your transplanted seedlings and prevent your seedlings from drying out. Check for signs of pests or diseases. Make any necessary adjustments to provide optimal care for your plants. Fertilise with a slow release ferliser during the growing phase for bright and thriving produce.

Harvesting from your Seedlings

It is best to harvest in the early mornings when the produce is fresh and supple. Morning harvests tend to be sweeter and have a more appealing flavour.

If you need any further assistance or guidance, please feel free to reach out to us, we would love to help you with your gardening journey!