Transplant Vs Direct Sowing

Planting season is around the corner and nature enthusiasts must be contemplating about what they should go with directly sowing the seeds or transplanting it. Direct sowing is simply sowing the seeds directly and transplanting is planting the seeds ahead of time. Most crops thrive well when directly seeded in the garden. Vegetables like radishes and carrots thrive well if directly sowed and there is no damage to their roots during transplantation.

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Before sowing the seeds make sure the area is weed free and it is clear, there are no stones. After that follow the seed packet directions for sowing as per the depth and spacing. Press the seeds lightly to ensure the surface is smooth and be sure to demarc the area so that you remember what and where you have grown. This process is simpler than transplanting as sowing is dependent on the weather. When planting seeds into the soil you want the soil that is favorable for them to grow.

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Transplantation

Transplanting means moving a plant and replanting it in another space. The process of transplantation ensures the plant seedlings get the right space and consistent uniformity of nutrients, water and sunlight. The process of transplantation lets you have fresh greens and veggies way sooner than sowing the seeds. Plants that are grown fully are stronger which makes them less prone to outside conditions.

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Here are few great tips for DIRECT SOWING:

• Timing
• Avoid frost
• Clean your garden area
• Prep your soil
• Check your soil
• Mark your area
• Scratch the seed coating
• Soak the seeds
• Check for plant Information

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Timing

Before sowing the seeds it is important to ensure the soil and weather conditions are favorable. Do not sow the seeds in the same place as before as this slows the germination rate.

Avoid frost

The garden soil should be free of frost. Most garden plants thrive well when the soil temperature is in the 60s or higher. However some crops will germinate even if the temperature is below 40s.

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Clean your garden area

Clean your garden area; remove stones, other crops, or weeds that managed to survive winter.

Prep your soil

It is easier to grow a plant in soft soil. Soft soil is important for germination as they break through the soil. Break the soil with a tiller if it is hard.

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Check your soil

Testing the ph value is essential as it should contain nutrients in abundance. Once the soil in your garden area is flattened do the testing of your soil. Make sure the changes you do with soil does not harm seeds and seedlings.

Mark your area

With the help of a hoe mark a straight line to make a row.

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Scratch the seed coating

Scratch the coating of the seeds for better germination. Large seeds like watermelon squash have a tough seed coating.

Soak the seeds

For better germination soaking up of the seeds are important as it increases the germination rate.

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Check for plant Information

Check the back of the seed packet for steps of germination. The info given will help you how deep you have to plant your seeds, give spacing and how long you can expect the germination process to take. Follow the directions given on the packet.

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Tips for Transplantation

Avoid Frost

Just like with direct sowing make sure the threat of frost is behind you. Summer crops thrive well when temp remains above 60 degrees. Crops which do best in winters like lettuce, greens can beat temp even if it falls below 40 degrees.

Clean Your Garden Bed

Remove the stones from the soil. Ensure that the soil is warm; the site for transplantation is leveled.

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Water Your Plants

Water your plants before taking them out from the container. Dig a hole that is larger than the container that the plant was in. Before placing it in the hole gently break the soil around the roots before placing it in the hole.

Prepare your garden well and ensure the soil is warm and the soil is frost free. Use any of the method to plant your garden. Vegetables like beans, peas, etc. are ideal for direct sowing as the seeds have hard coating.

Transplant crops are the best for certain vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, etc.

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