Pot seedlings

As the outside temperature begins to rise and the seedlings reach around 20mm to 30mm it's time to start transplanting them into pots.
This is also a good time to ensure the ground is prepared where they wll be finally placed.

• Fill plant pots with potting mix and lightly press down
• Make a well in the potting mix deep and wide enough to take the entire root.We use the blunt end of a teaspoon handle as a tool to get deep enough and wiggle it around to ensure the hole will be wide enough to take the seedling roots.- Select the biggest seedlings to be transplanted, it might pay to start at the outer edge.
• Using your teaspoon/tool, gently get under the root and gently work the tool upwards and sideways while you gently pull on one of the leaves. (The roots by this time will likely be meshed together, but wth some gentle coersion, most will come out fine)
• Place the seedling into the hole you made then using both hands, gently back fill the hole around your seedling and gently press down. We find it easier to transplant in small groups at a time to speed up the process.
• Gently water around the seedling, try not to water the seedling itself as it is still fragile and you run the risk of damaging its stem.
• Keep watering regularly ensuring the growing medium doesn't dry out at the top
• After a few days, apply a pinch of slow release fertilizer around the pot but away from the stem. By this time, any seedlings that were damaged in the transplanting process for whatever reason can be culled and the pot re-used for you next batch.
• Once the risk of frost has passed, put seedlings outside but away from direct sunlight. This will allow the seedlings to harden its stem due to light winds and breezes.Continue to water as needed.
• The now young plants should harden in a few weeks and will be ready to move outside. Make sure they are moved to an area that will protect them from strong winds and keep them hydrated. Apply slow release fertilizer if needed.