For many beginner gardeners, choosing the right seedling can be a daunting task. The goal is to select a healthy seedling that will thrive, take root well, and eventually produce a good harvest. To ensure the best results, there are important tips to follow when buying and preparing a seedling for planting. Here’s how to do it properly:
Preparing the Seedling Before Planting
If the seller is trustworthy, the seedling’s root system will be well packed. Typically, the roots are wrapped in film or burlap to protect them during storage and transport. However, this packing may compress the roots, and the soil around them becomes compacted. Never plant the seedling with this layer of soil still intact. Before planting, carefully straighten the roots to encourage them to grow sideways. If you don’t do this, the seedling may fail to establish roots properly or, in some cases, it could die.
If the tree is in a pot, the roots inside are likely compacted as well. Remove the tree from the pot and scratch the roots lightly to stimulate growth and encourage the development of additional roots.
Planting Tips
When planting your seedling, it’s important not to deepen the root collar (the area where the roots meet the trunk). Similarly, avoid burying the grafting site if the tree is grafted. Both of these mistakes can hinder the tree’s ability to take root properly.
To ensure the best conditions, prepare the planting site at least a month in advance so that the soil has time to settle.
For seedlings in pots, make sure the soil is well-moistened about half an hour before planting to soften the ground and ease the transplanting process.
If you’re planting a tree with an open root system, be sure to plant it in moistened soil. Water the soil a couple of hours before planting to ensure it’s well-hydrated.
After Planting
Once the seedling is planted, it’s important to water it thoroughly. Use 20 liters of water to ensure the roots settle in well. If the weather is dry, water the soil once a week to prevent it from drying out. A dry soil environment can prevent the seedling from taking root.
To protect the young tree from wind damage, secure it between two sticks to act as support. This will prevent the wind from uprooting the seedling or causing damage to its roots, which are still fragile and trying to establish themselves.
By following these steps, you’ll give your seedling the best chance to take root and thrive in its new home. Good luck with your gardening!
