Make sure plants get off to a good start

When starter plants arrive at the greenhouse, boxes should be open and unpacked immediately. Univ. of Mass. extension floriculture specialist Tina Smith and Univ. of Conn. extension horticulture and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt said to thoroughly check the physical condition of the plants. The plants should be inspected for root and foliar diseases and for insects and mites. Any damage or discrepancies should be reported immediately to the supplier. Most companies want to hear about problems within 24 hours. It is also a good idea to take photos.
Plug trays should be placed on benches and watered thoroughly with plain water (no fertilizer). Make sure the plugs on the edges of the trays are thoroughly watered since they tend to dry out more quickly. Because of the small plug cell volume, the growing medium dries out quickly. Check the growing medium two or three times daily to determine water needs.
After the initial watering, apply a general-purpose fertilizer (i.e. 20-10-20) at 50 to 60 parts per million of nitrogen at every other watering. Allow plants to acclimate to the greenhouse conditions for 24 to 48 hours before transplanting.

Pictured: Upon arrival, starter plants should thoroughly inspected and then watered in with plain water.