The anticipation of seeing a new seedling emerge out of the soil can be an exciting experience for any gardener. But once you’ve grown your seedlings, it is essential to properly plant them out in order for them to thrive and reach their full potential. Let’s break down how to properly plant out your seedlings.

Proven Way To Be Successful Planting Seedlings

When you plant out your seedlings, if you give them a good start in life they’ll appreciate it and reward you profusely.

Choosing the Right Spot

Before you begin planting, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right spot in your garden. Check the label on each seedling to determine what kind of light they need; some plants prefer full sunlight while others thrive in partial shade. Additionally, make sure that each seedling is placed far enough apart so there is room for them to grow and spread without overcrowding other nearby plants. If space is an issue, you may want to consider using hanging baskets or elevated planters as alternatives.

When planting out seedlings properly two things are important – to firm thoroughly the soil around the roots, and to soak each plant into the ground.

If the soil is not packed around the roots, and they are left suspended in an air pocket in the ground, they will wither, and the plant will die. Firming the soil with your fingers, and watering makes them safe. Remember, too, that hot, dry soil can burn tender young roots; and keep the hose handy when planting on a hot day. If planting out in summer the surface soil is hot and dry, water it well before you start; and then let the hose trickle around the roots of each plant as you put it in; don’t wait until they all are planted before turning on the hose.

Digging Holes and Preparing Soil

Once you have chosen the right spot, it’s time to start digging holes for each seedling. Make sure that these holes are just slightly bigger than the pot that your seedling came in – about two or three times wider should do the trick. Also make sure that each hole has plenty of drainage so water will not pool at the bottom and drown your seedlings. Once your holes are ready, fill them with nutrient-rich soil such as compost or manure so your plants will have everything they need to thrive!

Watering Your Plants

Now comes one of the most important steps – watering!

That first watering, after transplanting, is vitally important. Do it well; not by sprinkling, but individually, with a saucer shape depression around each plant, to hold the water for the roots. Before you start planting, however, map out your bed. Use the butt end of the rake to punch holes where the plants are to go; spacing them evenly, and “rubbing out” the unwanted holes to give a proper spread, without crowding at the corners, and with enough room between them for each plant to grow and thrive. When it’s all evenly-spaced, drop the seedlings into the holes, firm the soil, and put the hose on them.

Make sure that after planting each seedling, you give it a good drink of water so its roots can fully absorb all of the nutrients from the soil. Water slowly until water begins draining from the bottom of each hole; this will ensure that all of your newly planted seedlings get off to a good start! However, be careful not to overwater – many plants prefer moist but not soggy soils.

Always Plant ‘Spares’

When your bed is full, set a few “spares” in a corner, an inch or so apart. If later, you lose a plant or two, you can fill the gaps from the “spares” with plants of the same size. If you are using shop seedlings, instead of your own sun-raised plants, and the weather is hot, don’t put them straight out in the open sun – put them in a cool corner, 10 cm or so apart, where they will get some shade.

Leave them there for a week, keeping them well watered; and you can then lift them safely, each with a ball of earth around its roots, into the open beds. Finally, if you must buy seedlings, instead of raising your own, don’t buy plants already packed in bundles. Buy only from shops where the plants are growing in pots, and where you can be sure of getting seedlings with earth around their roots.

Planting out new seedlings can be a rewarding experience for any gardener and it can bring life and vibrancy into any outdoor space! By following these steps – choosing the right spot, digging holes and preparing soil, and watering your plants – you will ensure that each new plant gets off on a good foot as part of its journey towards becoming a beautiful addition to your garden.