The Keys to Growing Healthy Transplants

  

   

From the moment seeds germinate, they need extra attention in order to grow into healthy plants. This includes providing the right conditions for optimal development. The three factors that will have the most influence on how well your seedlings grow and develop are light, water and fertilizer. Of these three, adequate lighting is one of the most critical. Seedlings need a consistent source of the right light and most of the time the light coming through a bright, sunny window isn’t going to be enough for your young plants. They will tend to stretch and get thin and spindly looking for light.  

Adding a plant grow light is the best way to ensure your plants get the light they need. You have several choices when it comes to selecting a grow light including fluorescent lights (CFLs), high-output T5s and LEDs. T5s are generally considered the best choice for seedling development. They tend to cost less initially, and the bulbs are replaceable. Select a T5 in the 6400K spectrum, for best seedling growth. Plan to run your grow lights fourteen to sixteen hours per day. It’s also important that your light setup is adjustable, so that you can raise the lights as your plants grow. When your seedlings are small, place your lights five to six inches above the tops of the plants. As the seedlings grow and develop, move the lights up accordingly. Fluorescent lights should be suspended 10 to 12 inches from your seedlings, LEDs 8 to 10 inches and incandescent bulbs 12 to 18 inches.  

 

Next to light, watering is most important. Check your seedlings every day and keep the soil moist, not soggy. Don't use water that is too cold (or too hot). Fill up your watering can and let it set out overnight. That way the water will be at room temperature when you water your seedlings.  

 

In order to develop strong stems and root structures, your seedlings need to be fed. Begin fertilizing once your tomato and vegetable plants have 3-4 sets of true leaves. The first set of leaves to emerge are the cotyledons, sometimes referred to as ‘seed leaves”. They are not “true leaves”. The next set of leaves and all subsequent leaves are true leaves.  Use a mild organic fertilizer with a balanced formula such as 2-2-2 or liquid Kelp. Liquid fertilizers are preferable at this stage, because it’s less likely you’ll damage the seedling’s roots than if you used a granular starter fertilizer. Plan to fertilize your seedlings every 7 to 10 days. 

Brush your starts several times a day. Plants, especially tomatoes need movement in order to develop strong stems. Brushing them a couple of times a day makes them stronger.  Or simply install a small fan and run it 5-10 minutes twice a day. 

One other important task is to give your seedlings plenty of room to grow by thinning out weak plants. This is especially important for tomato and pepper starts. 

Whether you’re growing tomatoes, vegetables or flowers, it’s important to supply the right light, water and fertilizer in order to grow the healthiest plants.