How to plant seedlings

A simple step-by-step guide to seedling success. - by Graham Ross

Growing vegetables from seedlings may not seem as economical as growing from seed, but you cut down on the time, effort and expense involved in separating seed duds from conquerors. And, seedling punnets often have multiples of plants just gasping to be divided up and put in your bed.

Gather your supplies

Selection of seasonal seedlings
Liquid fertiliser
Pea straw mulch
Plastic cloches or igloo

You'll also need

Hand garden fork
Watering can

Here's how

Step 1

Gently loosen seedlings from pot and tease into individual plants.

Step 2

Use fork to loosen the turn the soil and make hole in garden bed.

Step 3

Gently put seedling in hole and pres soil down gently.

Step 4

Insert label from seedling punnet into soil to identify plant and have care needs handy.

Step 5

Mix liquid fertiliser with water in a watering-can, according to instructions.

Step 6

Spray fertiliser over seedlings, aiming for the soil, not the foliage.

Step 7

Spread pea straw mulch over soil.

Step 8

Cover seedlings with cloche or igloo.

You might also like:

How to lift and divide agapanthus

How to plan a vegetable garden

How to propagate cane begonias

Graham Ross

Radio broadcaster and television gardening presenter, Graham Ross, has educated, entertained and inspired Australia’s gardening community and aspiring green thumbs during a career that has spanned more than 50 years.

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