Indoor Cultivation of Transplanted Plants [Which Saves Time]

Indoor Cultivation

Save time by planting frost-proof vegetables indoors. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when the weather allows it.

Vegetables that take longer to grow such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines will be able to be harvested sooner. Thus the harvest season is extended. Cool-season vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli will be able to be harvested before the heat hits.

You will be able to obtain varieties that are not available in nurseries if you grow your own plants to transplant. Check with your county Extension office for the recommended varieties for the state of Illinois. Seeds left over from the previous year may not be viable unless they have been properly stored. Hybrid seeds will not produce a plant the same as the previous season.

Use soil or mixtures for growth stimulation

Garden centers sell soilless mixes for stimulating germination and growth of plants, potting soils, peat cubes and compact pellets. All of these materials are used to grow plants from seed indoors.It is advisable to buy any of the mixtures that are for sale since they are formulated properly and are free of diseases and insects.

Adapt containers for plants

Seeds can be planted in peat or clay pots, paper cups, trays or plastic egg containers. Drill a hole in the bottom of the pans for drainage.

Used clay or plastic containers can be sterilized by soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water overnight. Rinse them well before using them.Melon and watermelon seeds should be planted in peat pots. These containers can be planted in the garden when it is time for transplants. Peat pots are necessary because the roots of melons and watermelons are not resistant to damage.

Ready, set… plant!

Plant two or three seeds per compartment in moist soil at the depth recommended on the container. After planting the seeds, gently water them. Water plants as they grow, but avoid overwatering.

Eggplants, bell peppers, melons and watermelons need to be kept at a temperature between 80 and 90 degrees for them to germinate.The seeds of other vegetables germinate at a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees. Seedlings should be kept at 60 degrees at night and 70 to 75 degrees during the day.

Chicago Planting Dates

Vegetable	Plant seed indoors	transplant to the garden
Broccoli*	March 10 to March 25	April 15 to May 10
Cabbage*	March 25 to April 5	May 1 to May 25
Cauliflower*	March 25 to April 5	May 1 to May 25
Eggplant	April 5 to April 20	May 20 to June 10
Aromatic herbs	April 1 to April 15	May 1 to June 10
Lettuce	March 25 to April 5	May 1 to May 25
Melon	April 25 to May 5	May 20 to June 15
Pepper	April 5 to April 20	May 20 to June 10
Tomato	April 20 to May 1	May 20 to June 15
Watermelon	April 25 to May 5	May 20 to June 15

*Fall Gardens: Plant these vegetables from seed in June in a small section of the garden and then transplant them to their final location July 1-15. These plants can also be planted and thinned in June in their final location.

Thinning of transplanted plants

When seedlings emerge, carefully thin out excess seedlings until only one remains in the pot. Thinning will not be necessary in the cultivation and transplantation of melon and watermelon.

Lighting of transplanted plants

Seedlings should be located near a window facing south or southwest. A white fluorescent light or nursery light can be placed over the plants (6 inches apart) for 14 to 16 hours per day.

The soil or growing medium must be fertile enough to nourish the plants for the first 3-4 weeks. If the nutrients are not adequate, the plant turns a light greenish-yellow color. Use a solution made with fertilizer (10-50-10, 20-20-20, 18-12-6, etc.) at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon of water. Apply once a week.

From the pot to the ground

Seedlings should be gradually hardened by exposing them to the outside environment for a few days before transplanting. Put the plants out for a few hours each day and extend that period as the time for transplanting approaches.If you cannot provide good conditions to grow plants for transplanting, shorten the growing season indoors and transplant younger, smaller plants to the garden. That’s better than getting tall, stunted plants.

In Brief

So, whether you’re transplanting flowers or vegetables, it’s important to understand the best way to do so in order to ensure healthy plants. In this article, we’ve outlined some tips for transplanting your plants successfully – from planting the seeds to caring for the seedlings to hardening them off before transplanting outdoors. If you follow these simple steps, your garden will be flourishing in no time!