There are two main methods of growing crops in your garden. Some plants require sowing directly to the garden. Others require preparing the plants on a nursery bed. Then later transplanting the seedlings into the garden.
But how does a farmer decide the best method? The choice of method is dependent on many factors. This may include the type of soil and the crop.
Some plants do well when first prepared in a nursery bed. Other plants have a higher risk of dying if transplanted.
It is important to look at each method separately. This will give a clear picture of which method can be better for growing crops. Having a clear understanding of what to expect from each method is necessary.
Direct sowing method
How can direct sowing be the better alternative? Some plants are better grown through direct sowing. Examples include peas, carrots, nasturtiums, and snapdragons—these plants like maturing without moving.
One factor that determines the need for direct sowing is the root systems. Direct sowing is recommended mostly for plants with a delicate root system. They can easily die if the root system is tampered with.
The time a plant matures is also a factor to consider. Plants that mature in a short period are better sowed directly. This includes plants like turnips, beans, and peas. The transplanting interrupts the germination of such plants. It causes shock and can lead to death.
A good way of direct sowing
Directly sowing seed requires a good routine. The first thing is to ensure the area is free of weeds. There is a high risk of plant death if this is not considered. It is also recommended to clear any large rocks/clumps in the planting area.
Following the planting directions of each seed is very important. Not all seeds are planted the same. There are factors to consider for each plant. This can include the depth and spacing of the plants.
Seeds should be gently placed when directly sowing. Damage to the seed should be minimized all the time. The farmer risks the loss of seeds if proper caution is not taken.
Good contact between the soil and the seed is important. It improves the success rate of germination in a plant.
It is also important to mark where seeds are placed. This is why a good row is necessary for direct sowing. This helps in following up on the germination of the seed. It helps in the watering and weeding process before the seed germinates.
Direct sowing also calls for proper thinning of seedlings. This is done after the seed starts to sprout. Thinning involves removing some of the seeds in a congested area. It helps minimize competition for water and nutrients when the plants are growing.
A plant’s overall health depends on the early stages of growth. Any crowding of plants will limit their growth. The health of each seedling can be a good guide in the thinning process. Identifying the seedlings with great prospects of good health and production is possible.
Why direct sowing may be the better alternative
Direct sowing is considered cost-effective. There is no cost involved in transplanting the plants. The only cost involved is providing the needed care for the plant. Cost-effectiveness is mostly when a farmer intends to grow many plants.
The method is also considered good for nutrient needs. A plant growing in the same place easily accesses the needed nutrients. The roots are well grounded in the same place. There is no disruption or shock on the plant.
But some issues should be considered. Sometimes directed sowed plants are disadvantaged. They are affected by weeds growing in the same garden.
They also have to be content with the weather hazards. This is why a proper plan should be in place when selecting where to sow seeds directly.
Transplanting method
Transplanting involves moving seeds from one place to another on the farm. This could be from a nursery bed where the seeds were sowed. This is one of the most preferred methods by farmers. It is considered as good for controlling the desired results.
Among the plants that do well through transplanting are veggies. Good examples include eggplant, broccoli, peppers, kale, and leeks.
These are plants that are started in a pot or a nursery bed. They are plants that require more attention in their initial stages of growth.
Transplanting is good for proper planning of the garden. A farmer can determine how best to utilize the space.
It also supports succession planting. This is considered as good for increasing plant yields.
Why transplanting may be the better alternative
Research has linked transplanting to the effective fighting of pests and diseases. It is difficult to initiate such controls when growing plants in the same place.
Diseases subside when a crop is moved. The introduction of a new crop in the same place is recommended.
But there is also a need for caution when relying on transplanting. There is a connection between transplanting and the introduction of diseases in the new field.
Farmers should be very cautious about this risk. The farmers are advised to remove all unwanted strangers before transplanting.
Transplanting is also the best alternative, only if the transplants are hardened. This is because the transplants move from controlled environments. They are provided with every nutrient and water in these environments. They can suffer great shock in new environments.
A major recommendation for effective transplanting is to buy the transplants. This provides a way of introducing a different group in the garden. Farmers can make the right choice of plant breed from the new transplants.
Types of plant transplanting methods
Manual transplanting is one of the common methods in farming. It involves moving plants using a random method. It does not include a defined way of transplanting the seedlings.
This means that there is no definite spacing of distance between the transplants. This is a common method for transplanting tree seedlings. But not very good for vegetables.
The straight-row method is the other common type of transplanting. This is a more structured way of transplanting seedlings.
The method involves identifying uniform spacing. The distance from one transplanted plant to another is well-defined. Planting in a straight row is the most common method.
The type of transplanting method can be guided well by the type of plant. Vegetables require a well-organized farm compared to trees. The farmer must seek the proper information for each method before deciding.
Transplant method with the highest success rate
A well-defined method of transplanting has been viewed as with greater benefits. It gives the farmer a good plan for caring for the plant. The farmer can prepare the land properly before transplanting.
It is also beneficial, especially when caring for plants. This is especially great when organized in a well-spaced row.
The farmer can undertake many activities with ease. This includes watering and weeding the garden. It does not risk damage to plants compared to random transplanting.
Overall, different plants can do well through direct sowing. Others are better transplanted at the later stage of development. The choice of which method to use is entirely on the farmer.
The type of plant also plays a big part in this decision. Other factors, including the weather, should also be considered. The end goal should be to reap the benefits of every plant-growing method.
