So, what should you look for? Think of it as a treasure hunt for vibrant leaves, sturdy stems, and happy roots.
Quality not quantity
The first rule of thumb is simple: less is more. A punnet packed to the brim with seedlings might look like a bargain, but it’s often a sign of overcrowding. Overcrowded seedlings don’t get enough space to grow strong roots or healthy leaves, so pick one that isn’t too cramped!
Size matters
Seedlings come in all shapes and sizes, but when it comes to picking the right one, size is the key!
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Too small? Tiny seedlings with only a couple of leaves need more time to grow. They’re not ready to take on the outside world yet, so let them grow a bit more before you plant them.
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Too big? If you see roots poking out from the bottom of the punnet or yellowing leaves, this means the plant is stressed. It’s using up all its nutrients and might not bounce back.
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Just right? Look for seedlings that are not too small, not too big, but somewhere in the middle - these are the 'Goldilocks' plants, just right for your garden!
Watch out for ‘bolting’
When a seedling starts pushing out flower stalks early, it's called bolting, and it means the plant is stressed. It thinks it's on its last legs and on the verge of dying, so it tries to reproduce quickly. While you might be able to pinch off the flower stalk, bolted seedlings are often beyond saving. Skip them and look for plants that are still cool, calm and collected.
Give them a quick health check
A little inspection can tell you if a seedling is truly healthy or if it’s struggling.
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Leaves: Look for vibrant, green leaves. Avoid plants with yellowing, wilting, or spotted leaves—they might be dealing with pests or disease.
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Stems: Steer clear of seedlings with thin, leggy, or floppy stems. These are usually plants that haven’t been getting enough light and are likely to struggle.
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Pests or diseases: Check the leaves for holes or signs of bugs, mildew, or other pests. You don’t want to bring home an unwanted hitchhiker!
If you spot a little 'legginess' (taller but with few leaves) but everything else looks good, don’t worry! Once planted in a sunnier spot with more space, you can trim the stems to encourage healthy, sturdy growth.
Read the label!
It might be tempting to just grab a plant and go, but taking a moment to read the label can save you a lot of trouble later. Ask yourself:
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Is this plant right for your garden’s conditions (sun, shade, soil)?
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Do you have the space prepped and ready for it?
A quick glance at the label will make sure you’re getting a plant that’s a good fit for your garden and increases its chances of thriving.
Spotting healthy seedlings isn’t as hard as it sounds - it’s all about looking for signs of strength and vitality. Focus on quality, look for the right size, check for any signs of stress, and make sure the plant suits your garden’s conditions. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to fill your garden with plants that are primed to grow strong and healthy all season long. Happy planting!
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