The Burpee plastic tray is a great way to start seeds indoors. The tray has individual cells that are the perfect size for seedlings. However, once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, it’s time to transplant them into larger pots or the garden. Transplanting seedlings can be a delicate process, but it’s important to do it carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Here are a few tips on how to get new seedlings out of a Burpee plastic tray without damaging them:
First, water the seedlings thoroughly. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the seedlings from the tray. Once the seedlings have been watered, gently squeeze each cell to loosen the soil around the roots. Then, use a small trowel or spoon to carefully lift the seedling out of the cell. Be sure to support the seedling’s roots as you lift it out. Planting seedlings at the wrong depth is a common mistake. When planting a seedling, be sure to plant it at the same depth as it was in the seed tray. If you plant it too deeply, it may not be able to get enough light to grow properly. If you plant it too shallowly, it may be more susceptible to drying out.
Once the seedlings have been removed from the tray, they can be transplanted into larger pots or the garden. When transplanting seedlings, be sure to space them far enough apart so that they have room to grow. Seedlings need to be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Fertilize seedlings once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Seedlings should be protected from frost and wind. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to bring your seedlings indoors during the winter months. With a little care, your seedlings will thrive and produce beautiful flowers or vegetables.
Prepare the Burpee Plastic Tray
The Burpee Plastic Tray is an ideal starting point for seedlings and cuttings. It provides a controlled environment for young plants to thrive, and the clear plastic material allows for easy monitoring of root development. To prepare the Burpee Plastic Tray for use, follow these detailed steps:
1. Cleaning and Sanitizing the Tray
Thoroughly clean the tray with hot, soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the tray thoroughly to eliminate soap residue. To ensure proper hygiene and prevent disease transmission, sanitize the tray by soaking it in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for 30 minutes. Rinse the tray again to remove the bleach solution and allow it to air dry completely before use.
Table: Bleach Solution Preparation
| Volume of Water | Amount of Bleach |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 1/3 cup |
| 2 gallons | 2/3 cup |
| 3 gallons | 1 cup |
Fill the Tray with Growing Medium
The first step in starting seeds is to fill the Burpee plastic tray with a growing medium. This medium should be loose and well-draining, and it should not contain any seeds or other debris. A good quality seed starting mix is a good option, or you can make your own mix using peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
To fill the tray, use a scoop or your hands to gently add the growing medium to the cells. Fill each cell to within 1/4 inch of the top, and then gently firm the medium around the seeds.
Now is a good time to water the seeds for the first time. Use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine mist setting to gently water the surface of the medium. Avoid overwatering, as this can drown the seeds.
Choosing the Right Growing Medium
The type of growing medium you use will have a significant impact on the success of your seeds. Here is a table comparing the three most common types of growing media:
| Growing Medium | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Peat moss | Lightweight and well-draining | Can be difficult to wet |
| Vermiculite | Lightweight and airy | Can be dusty |
| Perlite | Lightweight and well-draining | Can be expensive |
Create Shallow Rows for Seedlings
After the soil has been prepared and moistened, it’s time to create shallow rows for the seedlings. These rows should be spaced about 1-2 inches apart, depending on the size of the seeds you’re planting. The depth of the rows should be about 1/2 – 1 inch, deep enough to cover the seeds with soil but not so deep that they can’t germinate.
To create the rows, you can use a variety of tools, such as a pencil, a chopstick, or a ruler. Gently press the tool into the soil to create a shallow furrow. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to compact the soil.
Once you’ve created the rows, it’s time to plant the seeds. Be sure to space the seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet. Generally, you’ll want to space them about 1-2 inches apart. Once the seeds are planted, gently pat the soil down around them to secure them in place.
| Seed type | Row spacing | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Small seeds (e.g., lettuce, carrots) | 1 inch | 1/4 inch |
| Medium seeds (e.g., tomatoes, peppers) | 2 inches | 1/2 inch |
| Large seeds (e.g., beans, corn) | 4 inches | 1 inch |
Sow the Seeds Evenly
To ensure even seed distribution, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Soil
- Fill the Burpee plastic tray with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Water the soil thoroughly and allow it to drain.
2. Mark the Seed Rows
- Use a pencil or other sharp object to make shallow rows in the soil, 1 inch apart.
- The rows should be long enough to accommodate the desired number of seedlings.
3. Distribute the Seeds
- Spread the seeds thinly along the rows, spacing them according to the instructions on the seed packet.
- Avoid overcrowding the seeds, as this can lead to competition for resources and poor seedling growth.
4. Cover the Seeds
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed-starting mix, following the depth instructions on the seed packet.
- The covering should be just enough to keep the seeds in place but not so deep that they cannot receive light and emerge.
- For very small seeds, you may not need to cover them at all.
5. Keep the Soil Moist
- Water the soil gently after planting to keep it moist but not soggy.
- Use a spray bottle or a watering can to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Cover the Seeds with Growing Medium
Once you have placed your seeds in the cells of the Burpee plastic tray, it is time to cover them with a growing medium. There are several options for growing medium, including seed starting mix, vermiculite, and perlite. The best choice for your seeds will depend on the type of plants you are growing.
When selecting a growing medium, be sure to choose a mix that is well-drained and has a pH level that is appropriate for your plants. Most seed starting mixes are designed to provide the optimal growing conditions for a wide range of plants.
To cover the seeds, gently pour the growing medium over the cells until they are about 1/4 inch deep. Be careful not to overfill the cells, as this can prevent the seeds from germinating.
Once the seeds are covered, gently press down on the growing medium to firm it up. This will help to keep the seeds in place and ensure that they have good contact with the moisture in the growing medium.
Finally, water the seeds lightly. Be careful not to overwater them, as this can drown the seeds.
After you have watered the seeds, place the tray in a warm, sunny location. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water the Tray Gently
Once you’ve removed the lid from the tray, the first step is to gently water the seedlings. This will help to hydrate them and make them more resistant to transplant shock.
When watering, use a gentle spray or mist setting on your watering can. Avoid using a strong stream of water, as this can damage the delicate seedlings.
Here are some additional tips for watering seedlings in Burpee plastic trays:
- Water the seedlings in the morning so that they have time to dry out before nightfall. This will help to prevent damping-off disease.
- Don’t overwater the seedlings. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
- If you’re using a spray or mist setting, make sure to evenly distribute the water over the entire tray.
- Once you’ve watered the seedlings, allow the excess water to drain off before replacing the lid.
| Tip | Why? |
|---|---|
| Water the seedlings in the morning. | This gives them time to dry out before nightfall, which helps to prevent damping-off disease. |
| Don’t overwater the seedlings. | The soil should be moist but not soggy. |
| Use a spray or mist setting on your watering can. | This will help to evenly distribute the water and avoid damaging the seedlings. |
| Allow the excess water to drain off before replacing the lid. | This will help to prevent the seedlings from becoming waterlogged. |
Provide Warmth and Light
Seedlings need warmth and light to thrive. To provide warmth, you can place a heat mat under the seed tray or use a grow light. A heat mat will help to keep the soil warm, which is essential for germination. A grow light will provide the seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy.
The ideal temperature for germinating seeds is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, the seeds will not germinate. If the temperature is too high, the seedlings will become leggy and weak.
Seedlings need about 12-16 hours of light per day. You can provide this light with a grow light or by placing the seed tray in a sunny window.
| Light requirements for different types of seedlings | |
|---|---|
| Type of seedling | Light requirements |
| Tomatoes | 12-16 hours of light per day |
| Peppers | 12-16 hours of light per day |
| Eggplant | 12-16 hours of light per day |
| Lettuce | 10-12 hours of light per day |
| Spinach | 10-12 hours of light per day |
Thin Out Excess Seedlings
As seedlings emerge from the soil, it’s crucial to thin out excess ones to promote healthy growth. Overcrowding can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and light, resulting in weaker plants.
Determining Which Seedlings to Thin
When thinning out seedlings, consider the following factors:
- Health: Choose to keep the healthiest seedlings with strong stems and vibrant leaves.
- Size: Remove smaller or weaker seedlings to give stronger ones more space to grow.
- Spacing: Refer to the seed packet or online resources for recommended spacing guidelines for specific plant species.
Thinning Techniques
There are two common methods for thinning out seedlings:
- Scissors: Use sharp scissors to gently snip off excess seedlings at soil level.
- Finger or Tweezers: For delicate seedlings, gently pinch or pluck unwanted seedlings using your fingers or tweezers.
Tips for Thinning
To maximize success, follow these tips when thinning seedlings:
- Water first: Moisten the soil to make it easier to remove seedlings.
- Thin gradually: Don’t remove too many seedlings at once, as it can shock the remaining ones.
- Avoid damaging roots: Be careful not to disturb the roots of the seedlings you want to keep.
- Transplant thinned seedlings: If desired, you can transplant the thinned seedlings to other pots or areas in the garden.
Benefits of Thinning
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved air circulation | Prevents disease and promotes healthy foliage. |
| Increased sunlight exposure | Provides more energy for plant growth. |
| Reduced competition for resources | Ensures optimal nutrient and water uptake. |
| Stronger, healthier plants | Results in plants with sturdy stems, vibrant leaves, and increased yield. |
Harden Off Seedlings
Once your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, it’s time to start hardening them off. This process gradually introduces them to the outdoors to help them adapt to the different conditions before transplanting.
9. First Week
– Place the trays in a protected area outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration as they acclimate.
– Protect them from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.
– Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
10. Second Week
– Gradually increase the exposure to direct sunlight and wind.
– Extend the outdoor time each day, but still provide some protection from harsh weather.
– Continue to water and monitor the soil moisture.
11. Third Week
– Leave the trays outdoors overnight in a sheltered area.
– Bring them back indoors during the day if temperatures are still fluctuating.
– Water as needed and monitor for signs of stress.
12. Transplanting
– When the seedlings are well-hardened, you can transplant them into their final growing location.
– Choose a suitable spot with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.
– Dig holes and gently remove the seedlings from the trays, taking care not to damage the roots.
– Water the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting and keep them well-watered until they’ve established themselves.
Transplant Seedlings to Garden
Now that your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into their permanent home in the garden. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure the success of your young plants.
1. Choose the Right Time to Transplant
The ideal time to transplant seedlings is on a cloudy day or in the evening when the sun is not too strong. Avoid transplanting during hot and windy days, as this can stress the plants.
2. Prepare the Soil
Before transplanting, dig holes in the garden bed that are twice the width of the seedling pots and just as deep. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
3. Harden Off the Seedlings
Gradually introduce your seedlings to the outdoor environment by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over several days. This process helps them adjust to the outdoor climate.
4. Transplant the Seedlings
Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the seedlings in the prepared holes and backfill with soil. Press down gently to firm the soil around the base of the plants.
5. Water the Seedlings
Immediately after transplanting, water the seedlings deeply to settle the soil and provide moisture. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
6. Mulch Around the Seedlings
Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or shredded leaves, around the seedlings. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
7. Support Taller Seedlings
For taller seedlings, such as tomatoes or peppers, insert stakes or cages to provide support as they grow.
8. Monitor the Seedlings
Check your seedlings regularly for signs of stress or disease. Water as needed, especially during hot and dry weather.
9. Fertilize the Seedlings
Once the seedlings are established, fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Regularly inspect your seedlings for pests or diseases. Treat any infestations or infections promptly to prevent the spread of damage.
How To Get New Seedlings Out Of Burpee Plastic Tray
To start, you will need to carefully remove the seedlings from the tray. You can do this by gently squeezing the sides of the tray and pushing the seedlings out from the bottom. Be careful not to damage the seedlings’ roots.
Once you have removed the seedlings from the tray, you will need to transplant them into individual pots or containers. Make sure to fill the pots or containers with a good quality potting mix. Dig a hole in the potting mix that is large enough to accommodate the seedling’s root ball. Gently remove the seedling from its original pot or container and place it in the new hole. Fill in the hole with potting mix and gently pat down the soil around the seedling.
Water the seedlings thoroughly and place them in a warm, sunny location. Keep the seedlings well-watered and Fertilize them every few weeks. With proper care, your seedlings will soon begin to grow and thrive.
People Also Ask
How do you get seedlings out of a Burpee plastic tray?
To get seedlings out of a Burpee plastic tray, you can gently squeeze the sides of the tray and push the seedlings out from the bottom. Be careful not to damage the seedlings’ roots.
What is the best way to transplant seedlings?
The best way to transplant seedlings is to carefully remove them from the tray or pot and place them in a new hole in the potting mix. Fill in the hole with potting mix and gently pat down the soil around the seedling. Water the seedlings thoroughly and place them in a warm, sunny location.
How often should I water my seedlings?
You should water your seedlings thoroughly and regularly. The frequency of watering will depend on the type of seedlings and the weather conditions. As a general rule, you should water your seedlings every few days.
How often should I fertilize my seedlings?
You should fertilize your seedlings every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied according to the directions on the package.
