Seedlings

Whether you are a serious about gardening or merely a hobbyist, seedlings are often an economical and rewarding way to build your collection. Seedlings, whether they are trees or plants, are old enough to ensure their survival while young and small enough to be inexpensive and easily shipped. With proper care, today's seedlings will soon flourish and provide tomorrow's garden.For tree seedlings to thrive, they do need some special care until they become established. Make sure the species you choose is designed for your climate. The United States is divided into nine zones. The most northern zone is zone 2, while the furthest south is zone ten. Even within a zone, there are smaller microclimates. If you live along a river or in a lower or higher elevation than surrounding areas, you may need to adjust your planting accordingly. Once you have picked the appropriate plant, you should pick the appropriate planting spot. The ideal location takes into account the needs of your plant, such as level of sun or shade desired, as well as the size of the adult plant. Particularly with trees, do not underestimate the size requirements. While it is hard to imagine that an 18-inch seedling needs to be in the middle of the lawn, nothing is more disheartening than having to dig up and move a tree because it is undermining your foundation or in danger of growing into overhead power lines. Take the time to prepare your planting hole carefully. Dig the hole both deeper and wider than necessary, and fill it with organic matter. This allows the delicate roots of your seedling to spread out even if they are not yet strong enough to penetrate the local soil. For the first season or two, plant seedlings may need special care, with more frequent watering and protection from excessive wind or sun. Once your seedlings are established, however, they will be low maintenance and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.