Planting Seedlings

Germination of seed is a natural process that follows growth of plants, the most beautiful creation of Mother Nature. Although it's a natural process, planting seedlings indoor or outdoor require optimum natural conditions that enhance growth and healthy development of plants. The process of germination of seeds is just like development of embryo inside mother's womb. You need to nurture the baby plant with all the vital elements required for its survival.

Planting seedlings demand immense care and dedication towards gardening. The task, although not daunting, requires some consistent attention of the grower. This can be an indoor as well as an outdoor process. It depends on the adaptability of the plants. Few plants grow best when planted outdoors while rest require indoor growth conditions for germination. Indoor planting allows gardeners to grow fruits, houseplants flowers and vegetables that are not native to that geographical location and require particular climatic conditions for growth. While there are other varieties that are acclimatized to outdoor conditions only.

Indoors

You need to take care of few things to plant seedlings indoors. There should be enough space inside your house to place the pots and containers for growing plants. A proper water supply system is required to enable the plants carry out all vital processes required for survival. Here are a few genuine guidelines for planting seedlings indoors.

• After purchasing the young seedlings from market, you should know their germination timing. Some plants needs early spring, while some might require winter or summer. Weather and climatic conditions are essential for their growth.
• Determine the number of seedlings you are going to plant and accordingly choose the container. There should be a drainage system along with the pots. You can use egg cartoons, clay pots, peat pots and seed starting flats
• To make the seedlings disease free, plant in sterile boxes. Sprinkle vermiculite and cover them with a light colored material. After doing this, read the instructions on the seed pack and plant them to the exact depth for optimal germination.
• Water gently or sprinkle from top. Dribbling water also helps in uniform distribution. To retain moisture wrap a plastic bag around the seedlings.
• Check the temperature required for growth. Warm temperature (70 to 85°F) or cool (50 to 65°F) is ideal initially. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme winters.
• Observe the seedlings daily. Check if they need water. Adjust the light and temperature. Once it grows, place it in bright sunlight indoors.

Outdoors

There are some plant varieties that survive best under outdoor conditions. Perennials or annual plants are such types. Outdoor planting requires preparation of soil for maximum growth. Some seedlings can be started indoors and then transplanted outdoors. The next points shall let you know the basic steps for planting seedling outdoors.

• Once again, the first thing to consider is time. Read the instructions on the package of seeds and plant under favorable climatic conditions.
• Prepare the soil particular to the plant variety. Seedlings normally require loose crumbled soil plowed with compost. The soil must be prepared to hold water.
• Now sow the seeds into the soil. Maintain the depth as instructed on the package. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings germinate to the surface of the soil.
• Once it has attained some heights, just pinch or snip the top parts for enhancing growth. Check if the plant is exposed adequately to sunlight and it is free from disease. You can also add organic mulch for enriching the quality of plants.
• Once they have grown completely, you can trim the plants for increasing their productivity and longevity.

Planting seedlings involve utmost care, attention and patience. If you have affinity for plants, you must nurture and nourish them regularly with affection. When the seedling grows into a matured plant, it shall prosper you with its products.