Starting a batch of vegetable seedlings in the heat of summer is a little unusual. But there are a number of reasons why it can improve your fall vegetable garden.
seed starting
The Importance of Hardening Off Seedlings
Besides protecting plants from wind or cold, building up cutin is another good reason for hardening off seedlings before transplanting in your garden. To do this you have to get seedlings used to the outdoors slowly.
Winter Sowing Made Better
It’s April 3 (not really, but let’s pretend) and the temperature still drops below 32 degrees at night, but I’m already eating lettuce. The secret is combining winter sown lettuce in a cold frame or hoop house. Want to know how I’m doing it?
Soil Temperature for Transplanting Vegetables
Measure soil temperature with a soil thermometer to decide when to transplant vegetable seedlings. Plant too soon and you could damage your plants.
Get Rid of Gnats
A few fungus gnats on vegetable seedlings may seem harmless, but the larvae could be eating the roots. Beneficial nematodes, Neem oil and sticky traps work for getting rid of gnats.
Soil Block Makers Vs. Paper Pots
Two thrifty and eco-friendly ways to hold the soil when starting seeds indoors are soil blocks and paper pots. Read this comparison of the two methods.