By spring most of us are surrounded by seedlings in varying stages of growth. Whether you started them off on a sunny windowsill or inside a heated propagator, keep an eye on colder night-time temperatures to keep them growing strongly.
- CHECK LIGHT LEVELS Make sure all your seedlings have sufficient light. Those on windowsills need turning to prevent them stretching towards the light. Larger-leaved species on the potting bench can easily overshadow smaller plants.
Use a mister or fine rose to deliver just enough water
- WATER CORRECTLY It’s easy to drench seedlings or leave them sitting in waterlogged trays. Check pots and trays regularly for signs that the compost is drying out and use a mister or fine rose to deliver just enough water to help your seedlings prosper.
Carefully lift the seedling from the seed tray by its true leaves
- PRICK THEM OUT Make a hole with a dibber or pencil in a small pot of fresh multipurpose compost. Carefully lift the seedling from the seed tray by its true leaves (not the stem). Slot the seedling into the new pot and gently firm in. Grow on in a bright, sheltered site.