Plant Plugs: Mini But Mighty

Handle With Care Although the root systems in plugs are strong, the plant itself is still delicate at this stage, so you’ll want to handle them with extra care. Be gentle when removing plugs from their packaging; lift and hold them from their root balls rather than their stems. Also, Bonnie Plants® plugs’ packaging is environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Planting in containers is a popular choice because it provides versatility. You can grow your potted pals in almost any outdoor or indoor space — whether you choose to grow on a balcony, patio, rooftop or windowsill. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to potted perfection.

• Choose a container with drainage holes to avoid root rot. Or, if you’re potting plugs to plant later in the garden, biodegradable pots are a great option.
• Fill the container with nutrient-rich soil designed for container growing like Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix.
• Make a hole in the soil with your fingers and gently place the plug into the hole, then tuck the soil around the plugs’ roots.
• Gently water the plug at the plant’s base and check the moisture level daily — it should be comparable to the moisture level of a wrung-out sponge.
• After 30 days, feed your plants with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food every 1-2 weeks.
• Once there’s no risk of frost, you can start bringing your plants outside. Choose a partially sunny location for a week, gradually increasing the amount of sunlight your plants get each day.

Plants grown directly in the ground or raised beds have access to more soil, allowing their roots to spread freely. This promotes healthier root development that leads to robust, vigorous growth and bountiful harvests.

Once you bring your plugs home, you’ll want to “harden off” your plants. This is where plugs are gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions — helping reduce the chances of shock they may experience when transitioning from a controlled greenhouse to variable outdoor conditions. For steps on how to successfully harden off your plugs, click here. You can skip the hardening-off process if your weather forecast calls for 2 or 3 days of cloudy weather. This will give your new transplants a few days to adjust to their new home before the sun returns. If no cloudy weather is in the forecast, you can cover your newly planted plugs with a light cloth for several days to help protect them from the sun's rays.

• Choose a spot that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Whether you're planting in ground or in raised beds, Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil is formulated for use in both locations and is perfect for growing vegetables.
• Make a hole in the soil with your fingers and gently place the plug into the hole, then tuck the soil around the plugs’ roots.
• Gently water the plug at the plant's base, and check the moisture level daily -- water whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
• After 30 days, feed your plants with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Plant Food Vegetables and Herbs Food every 1-2 weeks. · Protect newly planted plugs from heavy rain and strong winds.

Take a browse through our helpful guide teeming with inspiration, gardening tricks, expert tips, and a treasure trove of green know-how. Whether you’re a newbie to gardening or a seasoned aficionado, it’s primed to foster your garden aspirations and take your gardening skills up a notch.