Potting On Plug Pellet Germinated Seedlings

[Artisan]

Using plug pellets for the first time I now have germinated vegetable seedlings. When I can pot the seedlings on into pots? Can I pot them on within a few days of the seeds germinating or should I wait until I have true leaves and roots showing? I do understand that when transplanting the plugs I plant the whole plug so as not to disturb the seedling.

I have searched the internet for an answer but can not find any suitable information.

[Snoop Puss]

I've spotted this on the web:
"When roots are well established, simply transplant the whole seedling into its new home with minimum root disturbance."

So wait for good root development before potting on. It's likely that you'll have true leaves by that stage too.

By the way, make sure you know whether you need to remove the outer layer of your pellet plugs or not when potting on. If you don't do this but it's necessary, you'll find your plants will be constricted and not develop very well.

[Artisan]

I've spotted this on the web:
"When roots are well established, simply transplant the whole seedling into its new home with minimum root disturbance."

So wait for good root development before potting on. It's likely that you'll have true leaves by that stage too.

By the way, make sure you know whether you need to remove the outer layer of your pellet plugs or not when potting on. If you don't do this but it's necessary, you'll find your plants will be constricted and not develop very well.

Thank you. Great information. Do you think it would be wise to remove the outer cover anyway for all the seedlings I have started?

[veggiechicken]

Take the covers off before you plant them out. Even slitting them down the sides will help the roots spread.

[Artisan]

Take the covers off before you plant them out. Even slitting them down the sides will help the roots spread.

Thanks for that. My concern was that by removing the mesh before potting on might damage the fine roots and check the growth of the seedlings.

[veggiechicken]

I've stopped using those Jiffy pellet pots because the mesh stays intact. At the end of the season, I've emptied pots out to find the roots still encased in the mesh.

[Artisan]

I've stopped using those Jiffy pellet pots because the mesh stays intact. At the end of the season, I've emptied pots out to find the roots still encased in the mesh.

Okay. What do you use now for seed germination?

[veggiechicken]

Just modules or seed trays and prick out/pot on as necessary.
Some here make paper pots which can be planted out and decompose.

[Snoop Puss]

I tried the Jiffy pots once and found my plants didn't do very well for the same reason as VC. Other people like them, though. I do the same as VC now: grow in modules (could even be the very small plastic cups you can get), small plant pots, paper pots and sometimes root trainers and use seed compost.

[Bren In Pots]

I use newspaper pots I make them in two different sizes, then for larger things like beans I use loo rolls. I find them much better because I don't damage my seedlings anymore.