Greenhouse magnets are useful for starting seeds and growing seedlings until they are ready for transplanting. Indoor growing in a greenhouse protects the seedlings from weather and also creates larger seedlings ready for planting sooner than direct sowing in the garden. Once the seeds are sown in lightweight seed starter dirt mixture and watered, it’s merely a matter of time until the crust appear. Care for those seedlings growing in greenhouse trays must be performed for strong plant growth.
Temperatures
Most seedlings prefer temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the night and day. Keep the greenhouse warm, but not overly hot. Opening ports and putting up sunshades throughout the afternoon will protect your seedlings from overheating.
Light
Be aware of the lighting requirements of every assortment of seedlings growing in the trays. Group plants together based on light requirements. The plants that prefer full sun exposure need to be placed on the top racks, while shade-loving plants are put on the lower racks. If the greenhouse is not located in an area with sufficient direct sunlight, use fluorescent lights hung 12 to 15 inches above the plant tops. Leave the lights on for 16 hours a day and increase the lights as the seedlings grow.
Watering
In the seedling stage of development, don’t allow the soil become fully dry since this will destroy the plants. Water when the soil top looks dry. Use room temperature water, since cold water shocks seedlings and stunts their growth. Water the soil in the morning and attempt to maintain the leaves as dry as possible.
Feeding
Nutrients wash from the dirt within a few weeks due to the regular watering. Gentle liquid-soluble fertilizer like 15-15-15 cannot be used at full strength. Dilute the fertilizer to one-fourth strength and use it to water the seedlings.
Inspection
Garden insects creep into greenhouses by hitchhiking on other plants or crawling through cracks. Inspect the seedlings each week by looking beneath the leaves and under the trays. Keep a look out for insects, eggs and camel trails. Use insecticidal soap on pest infestations and then place out snail bait when slime trails are discovered.
Air Circulation
Air flow is important when growing in an enclosed space. Air movement dries off leaves, maintaining the plants dry enough to prevent fungal infections. Hook up a fan in the greenhouse and put the setting on low. Only a gentle breeze will reach the corners of the greenhouse and circulate the air.
Transplanting
Most seedlings are ready for transplanting after a few true leaves have formed. Once the seedlings are growing strongly, they require removing from the tray so that they don’t become root bound. Plant the seedlings either in person pots or into their permanent places outside. Harden off the seedlings in the tray if they are going straight outside. Place the tray outside for an hour throughout the afternoon and boost the exterior time of the seedlings for many days before the seedlings are outside for the whole night and day. Plant the seedlings in prepared soil in the garden.