Outdoor season is just around the corner: What you'll need

Winter is ending, plants are waking up and your garden is waiting for a proper spring boost! Whether you grow tomatoes, herbs or something special, without the right substrate, fertilizers and pots it won't work. We'll advise you what not to forget when shopping for outdoor season equipment in spring.

The right substrate is the foundation of success

Whether you grow outdoors in pots, beds or in a greenhouse, your plants need suitable soil. The purpose and use of different types of substrates vary according to composition and nutrient content. In general, seedlings need a lighter and less fertilized substrate than plants in the peak stage of growth or flowering. When growing outdoors in open ground we recommend using soil growing substrates and coconut substrates if you grow in pots. Soil mixes for outdoor growing can contain organic or mineral fertilizers that feed plants for several weeks to months. Substrate amendments used in outdoor growing usually serve to enrich depleted soil.

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Seedling substrates – If you plan to grow from seeds or propagate your own seedlings in spring, you won't do without a seed sowing substrate. Seedling/potting substrate must be light and airy and should contain only a small amount of nutrients. We do not recommend germinating seeds in pre-fertilized substrates.

Substrates for container growing - The choice of growing substrate for pots depends primarily on the feeding program you choose. If you opt for organic fertilizers, go for soil substrates intended for organic farming, such as Canna Bio Terra Plus or BioNova Bio Soilmix. If you will fertilize with mineral fertilizers, you can choose from a wide range of soil mixes or coconut substrates. For container growing we recommend using lightened mixes with perlite, which help prevent soil compaction.

Amendments for soil enrichment – When growing in beds, the soil is often exhausted in spring and plants would perform poorly after planting. Before spring planting we recommend adding compost or worm humus, or products with mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria.

Root stimulators and fertilizers for growth

Germination and the first weeks of life are the most critical period for plants and it's not a bad idea to give them a little help. If you grow from seeds, we recommend trying germination stimulators, which increase germination success and give you a larger number of healthy seedlings. Root stimulators for growth are mainly useful for seedling care and transplanting, but they are useful throughout the growing cycle, so don't be afraid to buy a larger package. If you grow in pots, the substrate is quickly depleted, so don't forget the appropriate growth fertilizer.

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Germination stimulators for outdoor growing – Germination stimulators are most effective when applied directly to seeds. These products contain plant hormones, mycorrhiza or beneficial bacteria that help seeds germinate. If you grow with organic fertilizers, try root stimulators with mycorrhiza, such as Orca Liqiuid Mycorrhizae or Ugro Rhiza 1200. If you will use mineral fertilizers, choose products that do not contain mycorrhizal fungi or other beneficial microorganisms, for example Plagron Start Up or Canna Start.

Root stimulators for seedlings and planting – You may have experienced that after transplanting your young plants had wilted leaves and it took some time for them to recover. This phenomenon is known as transplant shock and can even lead to plant death. Using a root stimulator is a great way to prevent this. Apply the root stimulator to seedlings both before planting directly around the roots and into the soil immediately after planting.

Fertilizers for seedlings and young plants – Plants grown in pots may require more frequent fertilization than those grown in open ground. This is because the substrate in a growing container contains only a limited amount of nutrients that plants will deplete over time. During the spring months plants mainly need a high amount of nitrogen for new leaf production, but also phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. Choose growth fertilizer according to the type of substrate (soil/coco) and the cultivation method (organic/mineral).

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Pots for every occasion

Few growers can do without pots, whether for germination and seedling propagation or for growing on balconies, in gardens or in greenhouses. When choosing a pot, size is not the only factor — the material the growing container is made from is also important. Plastic pots of various sizes are suitable for almost every occasion, fabric pots dry out faster and encourage root development and round biodegradable pots are suitable for seedling propagation.

Pots for seedling propagation – It usually doesn't pay off to germinate and grow seedlings in a large pot. Except for species that do not tolerate transplanting, it is at least impractical and often more demanding. For seed germination we recommend using propagation cubes or jiffy. For seedling propagation choose small plastic pots or seedling pots made from biodegradable materials.

Fabric pots – The advantage of a breathable fabric pot is faster drying of the substrate and plants grown in fabric pots therefore need to be watered more often. More frequent wet/dry cycles promote root formation and are especially beneficial for nutrient-demanding species such as tomatoes or peppers. Fabric is also a great material for raised beds.

Self-watering pots – Although technology hasn't progressed so far that pots can do all the work for us, there's no reason not to make growing easier. If you grow herbs, try smart planters. If you want to grow peppers, tomatoes or medicinal plants, opt for the modular AutoPot systems.

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Gardening tools and equipment for spring work

Finally, here are a few tips on garden accessories specific to the spring season. What else should you not forget? If you plan to sow vegetables directly into beds in spring, it is important to protect germinating seeds from frost and pests using breathable geotextiles. Don't forget planting aids such as label stakes, a planting stake and a planting trowel, a sprayer and other garden tools.

Looking for news and useful tips for gardeners and growers? Visit our Higarden blog, where you'll find news and guides from the indoor and outdoor growing field and other expert advice for plant lovers.