How to Look After Young Plants: 9 Clever Tips for Plant Care

February 2023

Growing plants can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Whether growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, it's essential to take care of your plants from the beginning. However, it can be intimidating, especially when it comes to caring for your young plants. With so many responsibilities and potential catastrophes, how do you know when something is wrong with a baby plant?

The key is to stay vigilant and watch over those delicate little saplings. And if you're looking for helpful tips on how to care for those new additions to your garden, I've got what you need!

In this article, I'll give you a comprehensive overview of 9 clever tips and tricks on how to look after young plants, so they remain healthy and happy.

1. Remove suckers

Removing suckers is an important part of caring for young plants. Suckers are shoots and branches that grow from the base or rootstock of a plant rather than from its main stem. They can take away nutrients from the main stem and affect the plant's growth. Removing them helps to ensure that the plant’s energy is directed toward growing in a healthy, productive way. To remove suckers, use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut them off at the base.

2. Pinching

Pinching is a helpful technique for caring for young plants. This involves pinching off the tips of shoots and stems to encourage bushier, fuller growth. It also helps to prevent certain species of plants from becoming top-heavy or spindly. Pinching is usually done with your fingers, but you can also use pruning shears if needed. Make sure to pinch off only the tips of the stems, as cutting too much can damage the plant.

3. Bottom Watering

Watering from the bottom can help plants develop stronger roots. Fill a tray or saucer with water and place the plant pot in it. The plant will absorb the water from the bottom, promoting healthy root growth.

Bottom Watering

4. Staking

When it comes to looking after young plants, staking is an important tool for providing support and stability. Staking can help young plants stand up tall and keep them from falling over due to external forces like wind or rain.

It is important to use the right type of stake for the type of plant you are growing. For example, tomatoes and other tall plants need a sturdy stake that can support their weight.

5. Double Pot

Double potting can help protect your plants from extreme temperatures. Place the plant pot inside a larger pot and fill the space between them with insulation material, such as straw or shredded newspaper.

6. Cut the Buds and Flowers

Removing buds and flowers from young plants can help redirect their energy toward growing stronger roots and stems. This is especially important for plants that are transplanted from a smaller pot to a larger one.

7. Use biodegradable pots

Using biodegradable pots, such as peat pots, can help reduce transplant shock. When it's time to transplant the seedlings, you can plant the entire pot in the ground, reducing root disturbance.

8. Cover the young plants

A garden cloche is a type of cover that can protect young plants from extreme temperatures, wind, and pests. It can also help retain moisture, promoting healthy growth.

9. Monitor the Environmental conditions

When it comes to looking after young plants, one of the most important things to consider is environmental factors. Young plants require specific conditions in order to thrive and grow, so you need to make sure you pay close attention to the environment they are in.

In conclusion, taking care of young plants is crucial for their growth and success. By following these nine clever tips, you can provide your plants with the care and attention they need to thrive. Remember to be patient, and enjoy the process of growing healthy and beautiful plants.