A week or so after sowing seeds, and the sun room has greened up quite a bit. The brassicas (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, cabbage) are showing the greatest vigor for life. Spinach and onions are doing well too. Some older seeds didn't come up at all. Since I began sowing so early, I still have plenty of time to get better seeds and try again. Oh the joy of seeing the first seed break through the soil and start its new life on the light side.
These babies sprouted a little too well for their own good. The germination rate was close to 100 percent, more than I anticipated. The competition for light is causing the younglings to stretch. Although they haven't sprouted their first true leaves, its probably best to get them out of the flat and into the cells.
Fill the cells with soil... 6 6packs in this case (36 cells)
Scoop the babies out using whatever tool works aka spoon, then very carefully seperate them using your hands. Try not to damage the tender young roots. Prepare a hole in the cell with your finger, and carefully place the new plant into the hole. Knock the soil off the top edges of the hole into the middle, covering the roots and a bit of the stem. Firm the soil down a bit, securing the seedling in place. Say a small prayer for the plant. Repeat 36 times.
Notice how i've burried most of the stems into the soil. I want sturdy plants not ones that get bent or broken once planted into the ground.
Since the babies don't have a very developed root system, they'll want a drink, so quickly soak the newly filled cell trey in your water bin.
... A kale plant showing its first true leaf, and seedlings with a view....
HAPPY TRANSPLANTING!!
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