Germination is an exciting time for any gardener. After patiently waiting for your seeds to sprout, seeing those first little green shoots poke up through the soil is incredibly rewarding. However, the work is not done after germination. There are several important steps to ensure your seedlings grow into strong, healthy plants. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about caring for your seedlings after they germinate.
Remove Any Coverings
Many gardeners use plastic domes or fabric row covers to protect seeds and increase humidity levels during germination. However, these covers should be removed as soon as seeds sprout. Seedlings need access to light and air circulation to grow properly Leaving coverings on can cause seedlings to overheat, become leggy reaching for light, or succumb to damping off disease Check your sprouted seeds daily and remove any germination covers as soon as you see those first leaves.
Provide Proper Lighting
Unlike seeds, seedlings need light to undergo photosynthesis and produce energy to grow If starting seeds indoors, be sure to move sprouted seeds into bright light A sunny, south-facing windowsill is ideal, providing 14-16 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, use grow lights. LED full spectrum grow lights placed 2-4 inches above seedlings will ensure they get 12-16 hours of proper intensity light for growth. Outdoor seedlings will get ample sunlight, but any germination covers should be removed daily.
Use Sterile Seed Starting Mix
While seeds can germinate in paper towels or coir pellets, sprouted seeds will require an actual growing medium. Use a sterile, soilless seed starting mix rather than garden soil, which may harbor diseases. Seed starting mixes are lightweight and retain moisture well. Look for a mix with a neutral pH around 6.0-6.5. You may need to add balanced fertilizer once seedlings develop their first true leaves.
Monitor Moisture Levels
Seedlings require consistently moist soil to grow but both under and overwatering can be problematic. Allow the soil surface to dry before watering to prevent damping off disease. Use a spray bottle or water seedlings from below to avoid disturbing young roots. Consider using a self-watering seed starting tray, which wicks water up from a reservoir. Just be sure to keep water levels in the tray full.
Thin Overcrowded Seedlings
It’s common to sow seeds too thickly. As seedlings develop, thin them to proper spacing. This prevents competition and allows each plant to grow stronger. Choose the largest, healthiest looking seedlings to remain after thinning. Snip off unwanted seedlings at soil level rather than pulling them up.
Harden Off Before Transplanting
Seedlings started indoors will require a period of transition, or hardening off, before being moved outdoors permanently. This adapts them to sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Begin by setting pots outdoors in a sheltered spot for a few hours a day. Slowly increase their time outside over 7-10 days. Outdoor conditions can be quite shocking to tender indoor seedlings, so be patient with hardening off.
Once seedlings pass the initial germination stage, it is vital to provide proper care to ensure they grow into robust, healthy plants. While it may seem like the hard work is done after sprouting, following these key tips for moisture control, lighting, warmth, and thinning will go a long way towards raising vigorous seedlings ready for transplanting into the garden. Pay close attention in those first few weeks and your seed-starting efforts will truly pay off!
Key Takeaways: Caring for Seedlings After Germination
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Remove any humidity domes, plastic covers, or fabric row covers as soon as seeds sprout to prevent overheating and leggy growth. Seedlings need air circulation.
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Ensure seedlings get 12-16 hours of bright light daily through a sunny window or grow lights. Proper lighting prevents spindly, weak growth.
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Use a sterile, soilless seed starting mix and monitor moisture closely. Both under and overwatering can damage seedlings.
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Thin crowded seedlings to proper spacing to reduce competition and allow each plant to grow stronger.
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Harden off indoor seedlings slowly over 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors permanently. This prevents shock.
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Be attentive to seedlings’ needs for light, warmth, moisture and space in those critical few weeks after germinating.
Following proper growing conditions will ensure your seedlings thrive after germination. While it requires some work upfront, you’ll reap ample rewards at harvest time from strong, healthy plants.
Room to Grow
You’ll need to either carefully pull out the weaker seeds from each cell, leaving one healthy one, or cut them off at the base. This is because most people put more seeds in each cell than they need to. Monica demonstrates both methods in the video.
Be sure to check your seed packet to see how long it should take your seeds to germinate. If no seedling has appeared by a few days later than expected, sow some new seeds.
My Seeds Have Sprouted! Now What? Indoor Seed Starting Tips | #seedstarting #gardentips
FAQ
How long after germination should you plant?
When should you transfer germinated seeds to soil?
How do you care for seedlings after germination?
Caring for seedlings after germination isn’t hard, but attention to such things as damping off, nutrition, temperature, water, light and transplanting will guarantee stout seedlings that survive the rigors of outdoor living. Even the most experienced gardener can benefit from some seedling care tips to boost their success.
What should I do if I feel there are many germs around me?
Germaphobia Or Mysphobia, is most commonly associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder but may be present in a wide variety of people. In such individuals there is a compelling desire to excessively wash their hands and to take other precautions to prevent contamination. A common mysphobia treatment is by exposure therapy. First by working with your counsellor, we have to explore the reason for fear of germs. Then once this step is achieved slowly exposing you to situation where germs may be present can help in treating this condition.
What should I do after seedlings sprout?
After your seeds sprout, remove any covering to prevent overheating, ensure adequate light, and promote good air flow. Use the right growing medium, and give seedlings water & fertilizer as needed. Thin your seedlings before transplant if needed, and harden them off to prepare them for the outdoors.
How do you plant seeds after germination?
Follow these steps after germination in a medium other than soil. Check inside the plastic bag or container to see if the seeds have sprouted. Prepare little containers with potting mix for planting sprouted seeds. Gently remove each seed from the material it sprouted in. (Use the detailed steps above for seed radicles embedded in paper.)