I'm located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and for the past five years, I've been trying to grow my own vegetable seeds like peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. At first, things seem to go well for the first week or two after germination. I've done a lot of research, watched videos, and even bought books to learn more about gardening. However, the moment my seedlings pop up and grow too big for their containers, when I try to transplant them, they go limp and eventually die. I've also tried using a hothouse or dome for starting them, but when it comes time to move them out, they still end up lifeless. I'm really passionate about gardening, but I'm feeling super frustrated right now. I always invest in good soil and nutrients, yet my plants barely make it past the size of a blade of grass before they die. What am I doing wrong?
2 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with a common issue related to stress during the transplanting process. A lot of first-time gardeners face this. You might want to try hardening off your seedlings before moving them to a bigger pot or outdoors. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week or so. Also, ensure you’re not overwatering or underwatering them at any stage. Giving them a little more time and a gentler transition could really help!
I feel your pain! It can be super disheartening. Another thing to consider is the size of your containers. If they're too small, the roots can get cramped, which can cause wilting after you transplant. Make sure your new pots are spacious enough for the roots to spread out. Also, be careful about the temperature when you’re transplanting. If it’s too hot or too cold, it can shock the plants. Some adjustments might save them!
Yeah, and don’t forget about drainage! If the pots don’t drain well, the roots will drown. Keeping an eye on the soil’s moisture level can really help your plants thrive.
That's solid advice! Hardening off can make a big difference. I've also found that using biodegradable pots helps minimize stress since you can plant them directly into larger containers without disturbing the roots too much.