School Seedling Plant Sale FAQ
If you’ve purchased seedlings from your local school plant sale and are looking for more information, please read the following FAQs.
How do I transplant my seedlings?
For best results, keep the block saturated with water and transplant within 7 days.
- Gently remove the plastic wrap. Gently cut the plastic covering away from the block.
- Plant the block. Create a hole in your growing medium (e.g. soil, potting mix) just large enough so that the top of the block is level with the surface. Carefully place the block into the hole.
- Backfill and water. Fill around the block with your growing medium and gently water the plant.
- Care after transplanting. Provide the seedling with ample water for 1 week after planting to help the plant establish.
- End of season. At the end of the season, pull plant from the ground and discard the block (if any remains) separately from the rest of the plant.
How were these seedlings grown?
These seedlings were grown by students from the school using their Les Verts Terrace indoor hydroponic garden system. Hydroponics is a sustainable way to grow plants in nutrient water, without the use of soil.
Learn more about how schools are using indoor hydroponics to support education, food programs and garden and cooking clubs at these links:
- Hydroponics for schools
- Teacher Spotlight: Line Veenstra, Vancouver High School Science Teacher
- School Spotlight: East Three Secondary School in Inuvik, NWT
What is the block made of?
The block is the growing media used in a hydroponic system to support the growth of the plants. It is made from stone wool, which is widely used in the greenhouse industry. It provides something for plant roots to anchor and access nutrients, water and air. Soil is an example of grow media. In a hydroponic system, plants are provided with nutrients directly through a water-based solution, rather than through soil.
You might notice some green algae on the top of the block – this is completely normal and harmless. Algae are small photosynthetic organisms that live in moist or aquatic environments. Algae can flourish in any area that has sufficient water, nutrients and light, which is why they are common in hydroponic growing systems.
Have more questions?
If you have any questions about transplanting or hydroponics, please feel free to contact the Les Verts Living team at hello@lesverts.com.
