pot up, homie
So, I don’t want to make excuses for the delayed post BUT I have a good reason. A new season of Queer Eye on Netflix. Not really, but it certainly doesn’t help! The truth is, I legitimately hate this step of the gardening process. What is it you ask? Oh you know, just moving all 120 of the seedlings into slightly larger pots so that they can continue to grow - also known as, potting up. I believe my exact words halfway through the process were, “This blows.” That said, it is completely necessary and the subsequent weeks are some of the most rewarding because the seedlings really start to look like plants. It also means you’re one step closer to having plants in the ground and you haven’t killed them yet - CONGRATS!
If I’m being honest, I kind of botched the potting up process this year. I left for a conference for a few days and when I got back, it was very clear that the seedlings were past ready to be in larger pots. This also means I waited too long before I fertilized them the first time. So basically, this post will explain what you should do, not share what I happened to do this year. I told you from the beginning I’m not an expert!
POTTING UP
There are a few things to look for to know if your seedlings are ready to be repotted. I find that mine are typically ready 5-6 weeks after initial planting. Some plants will be more ready than others. Another sign to look for is whether you can see roots through the holes in the bottom of their current container. They will also dry out much faster (more plant needs more water!) and they will start to crowd each other. They will typically have at least two sets of true leaves (not their initial leaves which are called cotyledons). So, this is kind of a use your best judgement thing. If they are starting to really look like plants, it’s probably time!
A couple of days before you plan to pot up, bottom water your plants like you’ve been doing. This will help the root ball stay together a bit better when you repot them and having some moisture will help them transition into their new home with less shock. Don’t forget - it’s a stressful day for them so treat them well!
If you initially planted your seeds in cells, the next step is typically 4 inch pots. I just bought these on Amazon and they’re great. I tend to like the square ones because they fit in the trays better to make them easier for transport. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QZG1P02/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You’ll need potting soil (not seed starting mix) that will give your seedlings the built-in nutrients they need but will get them acclimated to the type of soil they’ll be living in when they’re in your garden. There are a lot of different options that you can get at your local garden center, Home Depot, etc.
Like you did when you planted your seeds, you’ll want to pre-moisten your soil. Damp - not soggy.
This is where it gets extremely redundant. Put a little bit of soil in the bottom of the 4 inch pot to get it ready. To get the seedling out of the cell, squeeze the sides and tilt it to wiggle it out. Do not grasp the stem to get the seedling out. If it doesn’t come out easily, hold on to the leaves to help get it out. If you lose a leaf, no big deal. If you break the stem, the plant dies. All that work and a dead plant? NO THANKS!
For most of your seedlings, you’ll want to make sure the top of the old root ball is close to the top of the new 4 inch pot. Essentially you’re giving more space at the bottom and around the sides for the roots to grow. BUT, for some you’ll want to bury them as deep as possible in the pot. Tomatoes will grow roots from their stem (all those little fuzzy hair things on the stem can turn into roots). You can also plant the following a bit deeper as well: peppers, eggplant, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Now you just have to do that process over, and over, and over again…
Look at how pleased I look. Also, watch out for dogs - they tend to knock things over…
FERTILIZING
Once they’re potted up, it’s time to feed them! This is where you’ll want to add in a liquid fertilizer to your water routine. I just got this fertilizer at the suggestion of a gardening genius at our local garden center and so far, so good!
The first few times you fertilize, you’ll want to do a half strength feeding. Always follow the instructions on whatever you end of buying but again, cut it in half for the first few couple of feedings. It’s important to learn what the three numbers on fertilizers mean. I’m not even going to begin to explain it because let’s be real, science is hard. Read more here: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/understanding-fertilizer-labels
Follow your fertilizer but it’s usually an every other week schedule. You’ll more than likely have to water more frequently which is fine. I highly recommend keeping track of when you water/fertilize so you don’t overdo it. Guilty of overwatering and forgetting to fertilize over here (raises hand).
And so ends the blog post that I honestly just didn’t want to write - sorry. I hope it’s helpful and who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy potting up more than I do? Here’s hoping!
Not to KEEP making excuses for my absence but we’ve also been pretty busy on the ranch (the new name for our house according to Adam). More to come on that but here’s a little sneak peek…
Until next time y’all!
-cate
