Potting-up/ potting-on/bumping-up are phrases often used to describe moving cutting or seedling to a larger volume of soil as they grow. This is important for two main reasons: 1) As you water a plant in a container, nutrients are used up by the plants and flushed out by the water. Giving the little plant a new refreshed batch of soil provides the additional nutrients it needs. 2) When plants are held in a pot or container for too long, the roots may begin to circle around the bottom of the container. This can result in stunting and transplant shock. Root circling is less likely with soil blocks due to the air-pruning of roots, but it is still always best to allow more room for roots as they stretch out. I love starting my tomatoes in the mini-blocks because it saves so much soil and valuable grow-light/greenhouse space in late winter/early spring. After two weeks and after true leaves have formed, I pot them on to the medium block. After three weeks, I pot them on to the large block. After three more weeks, and after plants are tall yet bushy, but before flowers form, they are transplants. 8 weeks total. The nesting feature of soil blocks definitely makes potting-on easier and more clear as to when potting-on is necessary. Just look at the roots on the edges of the blocks. Head to our website or shop to order your soil blocks and soil block potting mix. Shipping nationwide for free on orders of $50.
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