Transplanting Seedling Starts

Now that I have several mini greenhouses, I'm able to grow plenty of veggie seedlings for transplanting out into the gardens. I'm finding that I'm far more successful using seedlings than I am directly sowing seeds into the garden soil. Too many things cause the direct seedlings to fail. 

I've recently discovered that planting technique has a big, big bearing on the success of the seedlings to survive. This is the method I've come up with so far that's giving me the best results, whether it be in the community garden bed or my own scattered growing spots around the property. 

First , I prepare the soil by either digging or tilling in soil amendments. These may include the old mulch, compost, chicken pen litter, coral sand, lava sand, wood ash (if the pH test indicates it's low), biochar (if the soil is hydrophobic), crushed heat treated bone, ocean water (just a light sprinkle). It all depends upon what the amendment schedule is or what is needed. 

With the soil ready, I'll scoop out a hole about 3" deep. 

Then I'll fill it with water and let it soak in. 

Next, the seedling gets planted and the hole back filled with soil so that the seedling root ball is completely covered over. Now I'll give it a second watering to wet the soil at least 6" around the seedling. 

A plastic protective collar is set into place. 

Once all the seedlings are planted, I'll apply a light mulch to cover the entire soil surface to protect it from the sun and wind. Below, is a mulch made from chipped up tree and brush trimmings. 

This mulch is grass clippings.