April planting
It’s time to plant the seedlings! Oh, what a fun day lies ahead!
You may now safely transplant the leafy greens. You don’t want to just throw them in the ground, though. Follow this step-by-step:
- If you haven’t done it yet, start by incorporating mushroom or manure compost into the top 6 inches of soil.
- Use a guide line (just a string or yarn) tied to a stick at either end of the row to help you plant in a straight line.
- Dig each seedling out of the tray, but be careful to preserve as many roots as possible.
- Massage the root ball to loosen it and plant the seedling, patting down the soil lightly around it. (Don’t pack the soil too hard.)
- Plant the seedlings 12-, 24- or 36-inches apart, depending on the species.
- Mulch around the plants if desired.
- Water … a lot. Give each plant about a gallon of water the get the roots started in their new home.
- Water with about 1 cup per plant in the morning and evening the first week.
TIP: If the weather becomes unseasonably hot and sunny the week you plant, cover the plants with burlap during the hottest hours of the day. It will prevent them from scorching.
