Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
quickly or you may wash the seeds away. You will need to keep the area
well moistened until you see the first green shoots coming through the
soil, then water as needed. Do not let the bed dry out.
Thin the plants. Once the first green shoots appear, some vegetable
plants such as carrots, radishes, turnips, spinach, and salad greens need
to be thinned. Thinning helps to make room for the vegetable plants to
grow to maturity.
Some vegetables are difficult to start outdoors because the seed
needs a very specific temperature to germinate. These are best star-
ted indoors so you have more control over their growing conditions.
Some examples are tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Transplants: Buy or Start Your Own?
Starting your own seedlings can be a very satisfying part of veget-
able gardening. Its advantages are many. It can be more econom-
ical, especially if you have a large garden, and it gives you a head
start with your growing season. You'll also know exactly how many
plants you will have to transplant out, and you can prevent
unwanted disease or pests from coming into your garden.
Buying Transplants
If you do not have the time or desire to start you own seedlings,
check your local nursery or garden center for vegetable transplants.
Make sure you purchase your seedlings from a reputable business
and choose their healthiest seedlings. Unhealthy transplants can eas-
ily introduce insects and disease to your garden. A healthy transplant
is bushy and compact, not spindly or leggy. The stems should be a
healthy color and strong. Avoid plants whose roots are showing
through the drain holes. These plants may be root bound, which may
