Plant your seedlings early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress. Follow these steps to set your new outdoor garden up for success:
1. Prepare to Plant
- Keep the grow medium moist until you're ready to plant.
2. Planting
- Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the seedling plug (about 2” wide x 3” deep).
- Water the hole lightly before planting, then place the seedling in and cover with soil until the plug is fully buried and the plant is upright.
3. Post-Planting Care
- Water daily for the first two weeks to keep soil consistently moist. Pro Tip: To check soil moisture, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Fertilize with your fertilizer of choice, or use Lettuce Grow Nutrients A & B (1 tsp each per gallon of water) during initial watering and weekly thereafter.
- After the first two weeks, adjust watering frequency based on your climate and plant type, letting the topsoil dry slightly between sessions.
4. Ongoing Tips
- Refresh soil every six months to maintain nutrient levels.
- Protect seedlings from extreme heat by providing shade during peak sun.
- Rotate seedlings every 4-6 weeks to maintain a productive garden.
Note: Some initial stress is normal during the first week of transplanting. Simply remove any dead leaves, and rest assured—they’ll bounce back quickly!