western-queensland-gardening-guide.pdf - South West NRM

Fertilising: It is necessary to supplement the essential elements needed by the
plants that are not provided by the potting medium. Fortnightly applications of
complete soluble fertilisers will suffice.
Watering: Regular watering for 4 to 5 minutes, twice daily, will be generally
adequate. Missing even a single watering could result in the death of many
seedlings. The number of waterings may need to be increased during adversely
hot and dry conditions.
Weeding: Weeds will compete strongly with the small trees, so weed removal is
essential.
Hardening Off
Hardening off is the practice of preparing plants for the shock of transplanting by
reducing the application of water and fertiliser and exposing them to more sun. This
should be done gradually over a few weeks before planting. Growth will slow down
and the plants will be sturdier and better prepared for being planted out. Most
plants establish and grow better when planted out as sun-hardened seedlings.
If you can't plant when the seedlings are ready, then re-potting may be necessary.
This should be done before the plants become pot-bound.
Select a pot which is wider and deeper then the existing pot.
Remove the seedling from the pot with the potting medium intact, and set it into
the new, larger pot, taking care not to tangle or kink the roots.
Fill the space between the root ball and the side of the new container with new
potting medium, press it in firmly and then water (See Fipre 21).
Figure 21. Re-potting