I have tomatoes and zinnias that are ready to go outside. They are tall, and leafy and look great right now. Unfortunately, it will be another 6 weeks before I can risk putting them out. In the meantime, I'm going to put them in bigger pots, plant them deep, give them as much light as I can, and try to keep them happy indoors.
The rest of my herbs and flowers look good, most have their first set of true leaves. I don't plant any other veggies from seed because my gardening space is so limited in my shady yard.
If your seedlings are progressing, there are some things you can do to keep them in peak condition until it's time to plant them outside.
- Thin ruthlessly. I know, it's hard. But you don't want too many seedlings competing for space and water in those tiny peat pots. Keep one, ok, two if you must, and pull the rest. You'll be happier with a few strong healthy plants than dozens of scraggly ones.
- Transplant if needed. Move tall leggy seedlings into 3" peat pots. Give them a little room to stretch, and as much light as you can manage. Keep them under the grow lights if you have them, to grow sturdy stems and not leggy ones.
- Soon, on warm days, move plants outside to a sunny, but sheltered area. Start with a couple of hours, and increase as weather allows. Don't forget to bring them in!
- Water. Enough, but not too much, and preferably from the bottom.
- Be patient. It's been a long winter hasn't it? But May is coming, and before you know it you'll be moving all your little seedlings to their permanent homes in the garden. I can't wait how about you?
