Nan Fitzgerald
May 10, 2024
The multipacks of greens you've purchased from Nanimal Farm have already been hardened off (i.e., subjected to gradually increasing amounts of outdoor temperatures, wind, and sunlight). They are ready to be planted!
In prepared garden beds or containers, simply make a hole big enough for the root ball, pop each seedling out of its cell, and gently press the root ball into the soil, making sure there is good contact and no large air pockets. It is helpful to leave a little indent or "bowl" around each stem to encourage water to flow in and be absorbed where it's most needed.
Cool-season crops are mostly leafy plants, which are the biggest nitrogen lovers. Nitrogen gets depleted fast, but can be over-applied. Too much can adversely affect any plant, but in particular, it can prevent fruiting and flowering in some plants.
Good finished compost never hurts, though, since it's a mix of nutrients as well as a natural slow-release "fertilizer." Adding a thin (about 2") layer of compost in fall or early spring, or, if necessary, just before planting, will go a long way to feeding your soil so that it can feed your plants. Compost makes a great surface mulch -- the nutrients will gradually trickle down to nourish the soil through rain and worm activity.
You can also help new seedlings along by putting a little extra compost (worm castings are great, too) into each planting hole. Organic, finished compost will not "burn" your plants' roots on contact as some synthetic fertilizers can.
Happy growing! Email us at admin@nanimalfarm.com with any questions!