Steps to success with plug plants
Watering is key – I know I keep going on about it, and I have no wish to encourage you to drown your plants, but as they grow their moisture requirements will increase. Feel the compost with your finger on a regular basis and give it a good soak whenever it feels slightly dry. There’s no need to keep it sopping wet, but an even supply of moisture will make for even growth. Watch out for greenfly, and wash any off before they have a chance to multiply. Keep the plants well ventilated, especially if you’re out all day, so they don’t cook in scorching sunshine. On really bright days, a sheet of newspaper or old net curtain draped over them will help to prevent them from crisping up. Horticultural fleece may exacerbate the problem, as it doesn’t allow much in the way of air circulation. Pinch out any shoots that grow tall and leggy, to encourage bushiness, although many bedding plants branch naturally and won’t need such attention. Harden off your plants before moving them outside permanently. This simply means standing them outdoors during the day and bringing them back under cover at night. Ideally do this for a week or more, to accustom them to the lower temperatures they’ll encounter outdoors. At the very least, make sure they’ve had plenty of fresh air. Water them just before planting them in the ground or into a container. Plant them in their final location at a spacing that will allow them to grow to their full size. Also take steps to protect them from slugs and snails, which will appreciate their tender young foliage, even when they have grown apace.