PLANTS
- If planting seeds in clay soil, cover seeds with vermiculite instead of soil because clay absorbs heat and can become too hot for the seeds to germinate. Clay also tends to crust over, making it difficult for the seedlings to emerge.
- If the new plants were not in a full-sun location when you bought them, place the containers in an area that receives only partial sunlight for a day or two, and then gradually expose them to increased amounts of direct sun for several days before planting. Where small, lightly covered seeds have been planted, it may be necessary to gently sprinkle the bed with water once or twice each day until the seedlings have emerged. If a seed sprouts, then dries out, it dies.
- Bare soil should not be visible around a new planting. Always cover with a layer of mulch, any coarse-textured, loose organic material.
- Give tomato plants full sun, rich soil, and a trellis or stake to climb. Plant seedlings in the garden after all danger of frost is past.
