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Transplanting seedlings grown in propagation plugs

Novice82Novice82 Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
I’ve used some propagation plugs, peat and coir mix I think, to attempt to grow seedlings with varying success. The plugs came with a module tray and stayed moist for a couple of weeks with no problem, just the occasional misting of water needed. But in past couple of days I can see they are significantly drying out despite the spray bottle of water. I’ve potted some into bigger pots with some young plant compost but they are drying out constantly, the potting compost just looks a dry and crumbly mess. I’m scared of over watering but seem to be under watering at the moment.  First time growing anything so I was so pleased I got some seedlings started but I’m worried this crumbly dry looking compost will make things worse! 
Any experience/tips of using these propagation plugs? 

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Stand them in a tray and water from the base, letting them soak the water up.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Do you mean the plugs that expand when you wet them?   Misting usually only works to moisten foliage, not roots and growing medium.   Just put some water in the tray, leave it 20 to 30 minutes for them to soak up what they need and then carefully pour off the excess.  Repeat as needed to keep the roots moist and functioning but not drowning.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Novice82Novice82 Posts: 2
    Thank you both. So for the plugs that I’ve potted on into bigger plastic pots, should I be looking to stand those in water to absorb from underneath? 
    I think because I’m just learning I’ve gone for a slightly haphazard just bung in seeds and see what happens approach and have used various methods as an experiment but none of it is working too well! 
    I’ve also got some in those cardboard type pots with no drainage holes...would they just stand in water tray too?
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Stand them all in a tray of water for about half an hour, as previously suggested, then pour out the water that hasn't been taken up by the pots. This is a good way of watering potted plants as it enables the soil to absorb as much water as it can and avoids the problem of overwatering which can lead to rotting roots. You don't need to do this every day, just when the soil starts to dry out. Also, as the water is being absorbed from the base of the pots, you are less likely to damage the seedlings which can happen if you water from above in an over-enthusiastic way.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Standing in water and then draining excess away is the best way.

    When the plants are small their leaves and stems are fragile and easy to damage when watering from above.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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