planting your seedlings in containers
You can safely plant and grow vegetables for your kitchen garden in containers as long as you give your plants the essentials: well-drained soil, good air circulation, and full sun. Using containers for your kitchen garden is always a good way to make sure your veggies stay on track.
Plant your seedlings safely into your container garden. Kitchen gardening is made easier when you use containers, and they can be placed in any area, moved with the sun and replanted as it is needed.
1. Fill an appropriately-sized container with a well-drained and fertile potting mix. Make sure your container has drainage holes.
2. Dig the planting hole slightly larger than the root ball. Add a handful of rock phosphate or bone meal to the bottom of the hole at this time to boost future blooming and fruiting.
3. Carefully remove your seedling from its original container by inverting the container while your fingers straddle the stem of the plant. Gently squeeze the container and tap it lightly to allow the root ball to separate from the sides of the pot. Avoid pulling the plant out by the stem or leaves as permanent damage may occur.
4. Plant the seedlings at the exact soil level that they were planted in their original containers. Tomatoes are an exception and may be set deeper at a slant in the soil. See instructions below:
5. Water thoroughly with a starter fertilizer.
6. Place your vegetable seedlings in the appropriate site as described in Choosing a site.
7. Check your seedlings daily for water needs. Water evenly and consistently. Container plants require more frequent watering.
8. Mulch your seedlings as soon as they are several inches in height. Mulch helps retain soil moisture.
Tags
SEEDLINGS, vegetable gardening, organic gardening
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