As a newbie in seed starting, I'm curious about the techniques nurseries use to nurture their plants to such impressive health and size. What specific soil mixes, fertilizers, and growing methods do industry experts implement that might not be common knowledge for home gardeners?
3 Answers
While I haven’t worked at a nursery, I hang around one often and have noticed they usually prefer to use 6-packs or 4" pots. They avoid bottom-watering and rather gently water multiple times a day, maintaining optimal conditions for growth. The secret is all about quality seeds and commercial fertilizers. Plus, being able to expose your seedlings to the right day temperatures during growth can really help them thrive!
Also worth noting is that a grow light is vital if you're starting seeds indoors! Natural light, especially in winter, just isn't enough for some varieties.
From my experience working at a large nursery, the key is not to overthink your seed starting. Ensure your plants have warm temperatures, plenty of moisture, strong lighting, and appropriate fertilization at the right stage. At the nursery, we often rushed things, using inexpensive soil that was primarily composted pine bark and fertilizing to stimulate quick growth rather than long-term health. We aimed for visually appealing plants that would catch customers' eyes! A good rule for home gardeners is to prioritize quality over quantity; less stress and more love can yield better results!
Totally agree! I think a lot of those super green plants are just over-fertilized. The right balance of nitrogen truly does wonders, especially for tomatoes; strong stems come from good light and air circulation too.
That's super useful info! It's interesting how speed is prioritized commercially; at home, we can take a more measured approach and still succeed.
From what I’ve discovered, using a well-draining soil mix is crucial. I mix regular potting soil with perlite for extra drainage, which helps prevent overwatering. Fertilizing regularly with a balanced plant food, and hardening off your plants before transplanting can make all the difference too!
I've seen a huge difference since I started using grow lights instead of relying just on window light. My plants are thriving!
I switched to Fox Farm Happy Frog this year, mixed with some extra nutrients, and my seedlings are the best they've ever been!
That's really interesting! I’ve found that integrating certain temperature variations can lead to sturdier plants too—definitely a technique I’ll be trying.