Chloe Zhang
Plastic pots are a popular choice for growing seeds as they are cheap, lightweight, and easy to store. They are also convenient for repotting, as they can be crushed to loosen the soil and are less likely to break compared to decorative pots. Clear plastic nursery pots are particularly useful as they allow you to see the roots growing. Before filling your plastic pots, moisten the planting mix so it is crumbly, not gloppy. The mix should be firm and fill the container to eliminate gaps. Most mixes contain few nutrients, so you will need to feed the seedlings with liquid fertilizer a few weeks after germination. To speed up germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture. Once the seeds have germinated, remove the cover to allow air circulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pot material | Clear plastic, terracotta, clay, or peat |
| Pot type | Nursery pots, decorative pots, recycled yogurt cups, milk cartons, paper cups, or plastic cups |
| Pot size | At least 2-3" deep |
| Pot features | Drainage holes, lightweight, portable, breathable, aeration, self-watering |
| Seed placement | Sprinkled on the soil surface, buried under 1/8-1 inch of soil, or placed in divots |
| Seed preparation | Check seed packet for depth, light, and timing requirements |
| Soil preparation | Use a fresh, sterile, moist, and crumbly mix, not garden or reused soil |
| Soil nutrients | Most mixes contain few nutrients, so liquid fertilizer is needed |
| Germination | Cover pots with plastic wrap or humidity dome, maintain moisture, provide light, and circulate air |
| Transplanting | Loosen roots, trim if root-bound, and remove some potting mix |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right seeds
Another important consideration is the source of your seeds. It is advisable to purchase seeds from reputable companies that clearly label their varieties. Look for labels that indicate whether the seeds are non-GMO, heirloom, or hybrid. Non-GMO seeds have not been genetically engineered, while heirloom seeds have been passed down through generations of farmers without modification. Hybrid seeds, on the other hand, are human-made and may produce plants with varying traits from their parents.
To ensure the seeds you choose will sprout, consider performing a simple germination test. This is especially useful if you have old seeds or seeds of unknown origin. One method is to place a dampened paper towel in a zip-top bag with about ten seeds and monitor their growth over a few days or weeks. Alternatively, you can use sand in a shallow container instead of a paper towel. If the seeds sprout, they are viable for planting.
When selecting seeds, it is recommended to choose a variety of fruits and vegetables that suit your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as flavour, size, yield, and growth rate. Growing a diverse range of crops promotes biodiversity, prevents pests, and provides a wider range of nutrients for your household. Additionally, pay attention to the planting timeline and climate zone recommendations for each type of seed to ensure you are planting at the right time of year.
Finally, it is important to start small and choose easy-to-grow seeds, especially if you are new to gardening. Select seeds that do not require special treatments like stratification, and consider using a seed-starting kit to simplify the process. By choosing the right seeds and providing the necessary care, you can increase your chances of success in the garden.
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Preparing the plastic pots
The size of the plastic pot is also a key consideration. It should be at least 2-3 inches deep to accommodate adequate soil volume for seed germination and initial root growth. If you plan to transplant the seedlings into larger pots or the ground later, ensure you have sufficient space to store the additional pots temporarily.
Before filling your plastic pots with soil, it is crucial to prepare a suitable growing medium. Avoid using soil from your garden or reusing potting soil from other plants, as this may introduce diseases or pests. Instead, opt for a fresh, sterile mix specifically designed for germinating seeds. Moisten the planting mix before filling the pots to achieve a crumbly, moist consistency without making it sopping wet.
Once the pots are filled with the moistened soil, create a couple of divots in each pot to accommodate the seeds. Refer to the seed packet to determine how deep each seed should be planted, as some require light for germination and should only be sprinkled on the soil surface, while others may need to be buried under a thin layer of soil. For added insurance, you can plant two seeds per pot, removing the weaker seedling later if both germinate.
After placing the seeds in the divots, cover them gently with soil and moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can. To enhance germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome, which helps maintain moisture levels. If using a growing kit or mini greenhouse, it may come with a plastic dome to cover the plants.
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Planting the seeds
To plant your seeds, you'll first need to choose a container. Plastic nursery pots are a great option, but you can also use recycled yoghurt cups, milk cartons, or paper cups. Just make sure your container is at least 2-3 inches deep and has some drainage holes.
Once you have your container, follow these steps:
- Prepare your container: If you're using a plastic nursery pot, place it on a flat surface or tray. If using a recycled container, you may need to poke some drainage holes in the bottom.
- Prepare the soil: Use a fresh, sterile mix specifically designed for germinating seeds. Do not use soil from your garden or reuse potting soil from other plants. Moisten the mix before filling your containers, aiming for a crumbly, slightly damp texture.
- Plant the seeds: Check the seed packet to see how deep to plant your seeds. Some seeds need light for germination and should be sprinkled on the soil surface, while others may need to be buried under a thin layer of soil. You can plant two seeds per pot for insurance and snip one if both germinate.
- Cover the seeds: After planting, gently cover the seeds with soil. Then, moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can.
- Create humidity: To keep the seeds moist before germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome. If using a growing kit, it may come with a plastic dome for this purpose.
- Provide light: Seedlings need a lot of light. Place them in a sunny window or under grow lights adjusted to a few inches above the tops of the seedlings. Set a timer for 15 hours a day, but remember that seedlings also need darkness to rest.
- Care for seedlings: Once your seeds have germinated and you see the first leaves, remove the plastic cover to allow air circulation. Continue to care for your seedlings by providing consistent moisture and light. You'll also need to feed them with liquid fertilizer a few weeks after germination until you transplant them into your garden.
Remember, it's essential to follow the specific instructions on your seed packet, as each variety has unique requirements. Happy gardening!
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Caring for seedlings
Thinning
Seedlings require a lot of light. If you're growing them near a window, choose a south-facing position. Rotate the pots regularly to prevent the plants from leaning into the light. If seedlings don't get enough light, they become weak. If you're using artificial lighting, ensure it is just a few inches above the seedlings, and set a timer for 15 hours a day. Remember, seedlings also need darkness to rest.
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, and have sprouted a second set of leaves, it's time to thin them out. Thinning prevents overcrowding, ensuring seedlings don't compete for nutrients or space. Carefully inspect the seedlings and remove the smaller, weaker-looking plants, leaving the stronger ones to mature.
Transplanting
As seedlings outgrow their seed trays, they need to be transferred to individual pots or larger trays. Use a widger or a narrow tool, such as a chopstick, to carefully loosen the soil around the seedling. Avoid handling the seedling by its stems, as these bruise easily. Place the seedling in a new hole and gently firm the surrounding soil. You can use any type of container, but compostable materials like peat pots allow for easy insertion into garden beds without damaging roots.
Watering and Feeding
Water your plants when the surface of the soil is dry. The temperature of the room and the heat from lights will impact how often you need to water. Seedlings also require a lot of nutrients. Seed starter mixes are formulated with all the nutrients young plants need until they are planted outside. A soilless-grown crop will benefit from fertilizer diluted by one-quarter once per week.
Hardening Off
Before introducing your plants to a garden bed, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Move them outside for longer periods over the course of two weeks, to acclimatise them to wind, light levels, and temperature.
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Repotting the plants
Repotting plants is the act of moving them from their containers into the soil or a larger pot. It is critical to do this correctly so that your plants can grow and thrive.
Firstly, you should let your plant acclimate to its new environment for around 2-3 weeks. Then, you can decide whether to repot it or leave it as is. If the roots are growing through the drainage holes or the plant is being pushed up and out of the pot, it is time to repot.
To repot, gently remove the plant from its plastic grow pot by holding it by the stems or leaves and tapping the bottom of the pot until the plant slides out. You may need to use scissors to cut through the plastic pot. Loosen the roots with your hands and prune any thread-like roots, leaving the thicker roots at the base. If the roots are growing in tight circles around the base of the plant, carefully unwind them. Remove around one-third of the potting mix surrounding the plant.
Next, place the plant in its new pot and lightly tamp the soil. You can use a pencil or dibber to make a hole in the compost and then drop the seedling in, ensuring the surface of the compost comes up to the lowest leaves. Transplanting deeply will help keep your seedling secure. Water the seedling with diluted liquid fertiliser to settle the roots and encourage healthy growth.
If you are transplanting your plant from an indoor environment to outdoor soil, you must gradually transition the plant over 7-10 days. Start by watering the plants thoroughly and then place them outdoors in dappled shade, protected from the wind, for a few hours each day. Gradually increase their exposure to full sun and windy conditions. After transplanting, keep the soil bed moist, never allowing it to dry out.
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Frequently asked questions
First, choose a seed-starting system such as the GrowEase Seed Starting Kit. Then, set up an indoor growing station for your plastic pots in a warm place. Next, fill each pot with a soilless potting mix for seedlings, and place the seeds in each pot. After that, use plastic wrap to create loose-fitting humidity domes over the top of each pot. Finally, once the seedlings have sprouted, keep the pots constantly moist.
You know your plant has outgrown the nursery grow pot if the roots are growing through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or if the roots are pushing the plant up and out of the pot.
Plastic pots are cheap, easy to store, and convenient for repotting. They also have good drainage.
Plastic pots can be too water retentive, and some people may prefer the aesthetic of terracotta or clay pots.
Some alternatives to plastic pots include terracotta, clay, and peat pots.
