Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
that the soil can't hold enough nutrients to see the seedling
through to transplanting time, so bottom watering with liquid
fertilizer is required. Also, because of the small amount of
space, roots grow to the sides of the cell and then wind
around and around, contributing to transplant shock. Finally,
because of the small soil volume, multicelled containers can't
be left unattended for more than a couple of days because
their water supply is depleted rapidly. Even with these
disadvantages, they are the method of choice for producing
seedlings for sale because of their convenience.
Broccoli seedlings destined for market.
Peat pellets have a significant advantage over multicelled
containers when it comes to transplant shock. Taking a
transplant from a multi-celled pack and putting it directly into
garden soil can set the plant back for a few days as it
acclimates to the new soil conditions. Peat pellets get around
this problem because transplants are put into the garden
without being disturbed, and roots can grow right through
them into the soil. This allows for gradual acclimatization and
virtually eliminates transplant shock.
Peat pellets cost about $5 per 100 and can be purchased at
agricultural supply stores and occasionally at places like
Walmart. They come as compressed dry wafers and are
