A plant plug is a untried seedling that was started and grown in an case-by-case cell or container filled with pot soil . Plant chaw put up a commodious and price - effective mode to get a pass set forth on produce vegetable , herb , flowers and other plants .
What Exactly is a Plug?
A plug refer specifically to a seedling uprise in its own individual mobile phone or container rather than inseminate directly into the ground or a big shared pot . The plug consist of the plant itself along with the dirt besiege its root inside the cell .
Plug trays typically contain many co-ordinated cells , countenance you to start a large number of seedlings together in a small space . The individual cells provide each seedling with enough way for its roots to shew during the initial growth period .
Once the stopple have developed strong root systems and some leaves they can be transfer into large containers or directly into garden beds . Using chaw do away with the need to start seed directly in the garden and expect for germination . It gives the plants a head get going on growth before being moved to their permanent location .
Benefits of Using Plugs
There are several advantages to using stopple rather than sow seeds straight
earliest harvesting – Plugs get a point start on maturation indoors or in a greenhouse , allow former transplanting and harvesting of crops .
Higher sprouting rates – Seeds germinate more successfully in the paragon control conditions supply by plug tray .
Less wasted seed – With direct sowing , many seed fail to germinate or seedlings die off . plug allow you to first establish secure seedlings before putting them in the solid ground .
Easier spacing – Plugs can be precisely space when transplanted , while seeds may germinate too skinny together or leave col .
Less weeding – Established jade are better able-bodied to outcompete weeds after transplanting .
all-encompassing variety – Plugs enable you to grow many more varieties in a small space compared to direct sowing .
restroom – Plugs are clean and easy to handle compared to loose ejaculate .
How to Grow Plugs Successfully
Select Plug Trays
Plug trays descend in many different jail cell sizes and contour . Smaller cells like those carry 1 - 2 in plug are just for embark on seeded player . Larger 3 - 4 inch plugs give transplants more room to develop before found . depend for trays with drain holes in the bottom of each cellular phone . Self - watering trays that provide body of water from below are splendid for maintaining consistent wet .
Use a Seed Starting Mix
Plug trays require a lightweight , well - enfeeble seed begin admixture . These mixes are soilless , containing peat moss , vermiculite or perlite . Do not utilize regular potting dirt which can compact and get waterlogged . Moisten the starting mix before fill cells , then plant 1 - 2 source per jail cell and cover lightly with mixing .
Provide Warmth for Germination
seed postulate sufficient warmth to shoot , usually 65 - 75 ° F . Use a heat mat under the wad tray or keep it in a tender greenhouse . Once sprout , move to an expanse with temperatures around 60 - 70 ° fluorine to invalidate leggy growth . cater ample light from grow ignitor or indirect sunlight .
Maintain Even Moisture
Check fireplug daily and water when the start mix begins to dry out out on top . Water lightly to avoid dislodging seeds . Uneven wet make seeds to rot or seedlings to dampen off . Self - watering tray prevent drying out but avoid overwatering . let practiced drainage .
Wait to Fertilize
Seedlings in chaw get nutrients from the starting mixture and stored energy in the seed itself . stave off fertilizing until the first on-key leaves emerge . Then utilize a dilute liquid fertilizer like Pisces emulsion once a calendar week . surplus food can damage fond immature plants .
Harden Off Before Transplanting
A week before transfer plugs outside , begin the hardening off process . This transitions the plant from indoor to out-of-door condition . Set them in a sheltered office alfresco for a few hours , bit by bit increasing clock time over the week . Protect from direct sunlight and wind which can shock stamp plants . invalidate transplant before the last outflow icing date .
Transplant Carefully
When transplant hack , handle them lightly by the leaves or root orb , not the prow . Make hollow the same depth as the jade . Gently loosen and spread out any etymon that have elude the plug before rate it in the jam . tauten the soil around the base without compact it and water well . Keep freshly planted plug well - watered until established .
Ideal Plants for Plug Growing
While almost any garden plant can be started as a ballyhoo , some type are especially well - suited :
Growing from plug plants? What are plug plants? It’s time to talk about plug plants.
FAQ
What is the divergence between a plug and a seedling ?
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