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How to plant seedlings

Three young potted seedlings sitting on an outdoor deck

Overview

Seedlings, whether you buy them in a punnet or as larger plants in a small pot, are a great way to add something new to your garden, or to start from scratch. There are a huge range of seedling available to suit any type of garden.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2Select your seedlings

Knowing what to look for when choosing seedlings can help give your garden a great head start. Generally speaking, you need to make sure they look healthy with no dead ends. Make sure your pre-water your seedlings before transplanting to give them sufficient moisture.

3Select a spot

First thing's first – select a spot for your new plants. You can choose to plant your seedlings in the ground or in a pot – just make sure you choose a nice sunny spot for both.

4Fill your pot with potting mix

Grab your premium potting mix and fill your pot, to just below the top to allow for watering. Using a premium variety potting mix is always a good idea as its chock full of extras like fertiliser and water-saving crystals. Seedlings grow well in fertile, well-drained soil. If you're planting straight into your garden, it's a good idea to add some compost or cow manure.

5Make a hole for your seedlings

Using your trowel, create holes in the soil for each of your seedlings. Each hole needs to be double the size of the seedling root ball.

6Plant your seedlings

After watering your seedlings first, then carefully remove them from their punnet, separating gently. It's important to plant to the same depth they were in their punnet and to give them enough space to grow. We planted snow peas, which meant we needed to plant them 10cm apart –read the directions on your seedling's label for more info. If you're not sure, ask one of our friendly Bunnings garden experts – they're always happy to help. Press down gently on the soil to secure your plants. Planting seedlings in a container, or straight into the garden uses the same technique.

7Give them a good water

Grab your watering can or a hose and give your plants a good water. To help promote root growth and stop transplant shock, add seaweed solution. Read the label to determine how much you'll need to add to your watering can.

8Pop your pot in position

Once you're all done, just find a nice sunny spot for your new plants. Remember to keep them well watered, sit back and watch them thrive!

9Need more tips for your plants?

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.