Planting young plants correctly after delivery
Freshly delivered young plants have had an exhausting journey: tightly packed, in the dark and without fresh water. For them to establish well, the first hours and correct planting matter. With a few simple steps you give your plants an optimal start in their new home.
First things first: unpack, place bright and cool, water in – and do not put them straight into full sun or a cold bed.
In short
- After delivery, unpack immediately, place bright & cool and water in.
- Acclimatise for one to two days, not straight into full sun.
- Plant sensitive crops only after the Ice Saints and preferably in the evening.
- After planting, water well, mulch and protect from slugs.
Right after delivery
Open the parcel promptly and take the plants out carefully. Place them in a bright, cool spot – not yet in full sun – and water them if the root balls are dry. Give the plants one to two days to recover from transport and get used to the light.
The right time to plant
Warmth-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers go outdoors only after the Ice Saints (mid-May). If the plants were raised under protection, harden them off for a few days beforehand. Plant preferably on a cloudy day or in the evening – so the plants have the cool night to establish before the sun shines again.
Step by step planting
- Prepare the soil: loosen the bed and clear it of weeds, work in compost if needed.
- Water the root ball: briefly dip the pots in water before planting until no more bubbles rise.
- Dig the planting hole: a little larger than the root ball.
- Insert: set the plant at the right depth (tomatoes may go deeper, they form new roots along the stem).
- Press down & water in: press the soil down lightly and water thoroughly.
- Mulch: a mulch layer keeps moisture and slows weeds.
Frequently asked questions
The plants look limp after delivery – is that bad?
Usually not. After watering and a day or two in a bright spot they normally recover.
Can I plant into the bed straight away?
With robust, hardened plants yes – sensitive ones only after a short acclimatisation and after the Ice Saints.
Tip
Plant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day – this avoids heat stress and the young plants establish better overnight.
Caution
Do not place freshly delivered plants directly into full midday sun – after days in the dark box, sunburn and wilting can otherwise follow.
We raise our young plants strong and ready to plant and pack them carefully – so they arrive well with you.