![]() ![]() Keep weeds under control during the growing season.Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.Use the plant tag as a location marker.Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil.Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil.Firm the soil lightly and keep it evenly moist. ![]() Sow seeds evenly and cover with 1/4 inches of fine soil.Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil then level and smooth.Direct sow in late summer at least 12 weeks before the ground freezes.This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.Cover the seeds lightly with 1/4 inch of seed starting mix.Sow echinacea seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed starting kit.Echinacea may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as a potted plant. ![]()
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