Plug Care Instructions

• Loosen the bed 10–12 inches deep so roots can run. Cut flowers love loose, well-drained soil.
• Spread 2–3 inches of finished compost over the bed and work it into the top 6–8 inches. This is the single most important step — it feeds the soil, improves drainage, and holds moisture.
• Heavy clay? (common in Utah) Add another inch of compost plus a little coarse sand or aged bark to open it up.
• Optional: mix in a balanced granular organic fertilizer (a 4-4-4 or 5-5-5) at the bag rate, roughly 1–2 lbs per 100 sq ft.
• The easy rule: 2–3 inches of compost, worked into the top 6 inches, once a season. Hard to mess up.

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• Bottom-water morning and night until you transplant. Set the cell tray in a tray of water for a few minutes, then drain — never let them sit in standing water.
• Plugs dry out fast because the cells are so small. Check moisture twice a day.
• Once planted in the ground, water deeply at the base — not overhead. Aim for a deep soak 2–3× a week rather than a shallow daily sprinkle.

• These plugs have been hardening off for several days — they're ready for outdoor conditions but still tender. Bring them in or cover them if temps drop below 35°F.
• If you can't plant right away, set them in a sheltered, bright spot — morning sun, afternoon shade. Avoid harsh midday sun and strong wind for the first few days.

• These are ready to go in the ground right now — just watch the forecast for any late frost.
• If you can't plant within a few days, leave them in the six-pack cell and keep bottom-watering morning and night until you can.
• Space about 9–12" apart. Water in well at planting and keep evenly moist the first week.
• Pinch snapdragons at 6" tall for more branches and more blooms. Do not pinch lisianthus.

• At planting: the balanced granular from Step 1, or a handful of slow-release food.
• Weeks 1–4 (getting established): go light. A diluted fish/kelp or balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Too much nitrogen early gives you leaves, not flowers.
• Once buds appear (about June on): switch to a bloom food — lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus & potassium (something like a 3-9-4) every 2 weeks.
• Little and often beats one big dose. Keep it consistent and your plants will reward you.