PRICKING OUT SEEDLINGS
All you need to know for a successful transplant
THE first batch of plants grown from this year’s seed is already in the garden, where they are growing well. Now our windowsills are congested with the second batch of trays, mainly Dahlia mignon, foxgloves, Canterbury bells, Nicotiana and Lavatera.
The largest ones need pricking out into 3in
(7cm) containers, and growing on somewhere sheltered before they are planted outside.
Smaller seedlings growing closely together can be hard to separate, so lift the rootballs of several in one go, and carefully firm them into fresh compost.
When they are large enough to go into a border, you can plant them all together in an attractive clump.
Growing from seed is an easy way of saving money, but when you end up with so many plants, where is the best place to start?
Always use fresh compost – John Innes No 2 or multi-purpose are ideal – and make sure the pots you use are new or clean.
Good hygiene, including irrigating with fresh tap water, is vital to prevent pests and disease from infecting plants. Be realistic; if you don’t have room or time to nurture every plant, keep the most robust ones and compost the rest. Seedlings do best if their compost is kept damp and air can circulate around them, lessening the risk of fungal diseases. If they are in a cold frame, open the lid during the day and in a greenhouse, make sure doors, windows and vents are open. Watch out for pests, and deal with any immediately.