Week 1 & 2: Slow and steady wins the race

Rome was definitely not built in a day, that much is sure, but with enough patience anything is possible. Even growing your own high yielding urban farm in your backyard or on your balcony.

The first few weeks after planting can be the hardest. With much time and resources invested in planting your seeds and seedlings, waiting for signs of progress can be absolute agony. Alas, after that painful first week of nothing (maybe a few seeds sprouting here and there), you will begin to see the first signs of growth and maturity in your plants.

What to look for

Stiffness

Usually you will begin to see your plants standing straighter and leaves will begin to look more perky and full. This is a solid indication that the plants have survived the transplant to their new medium and that they are beginning to take root. Once you have seen your plants stiffen up they should begin to show signs of new growth (shoots) but if not, don't worry. 

If you are not seeing any signs of stiffening and growth within the first 5-7 days you should check the amount of water you are giving your plants (too much or too little could be affecting the roots ability to take hold). You should also be checking the PH level of your soil... but without testing strips this can be a bit difficult and most store bought soil is within an optimum PH range.

Seeds

Within 5-7 days all of your seeds should have sprouted and should be in various stages of seedling development(this varies based on how much sun and water the seeds are getting, as well as the variety you have planted). Your seeds will always take longer than your seedlings but that goes without saying.  

Next Steps

Once you have reached your second week you should be seeing marked growth and new shoots and leaves appearing on your seedlings. Now depending on who you talk to, you can begin to stake them or you can let them grow freely for another week before moving to this stage. You Should also keep your head on s swivel to catch any bug infestations before they inflict major damage on your immature seedlings.

To stake or not to stake

Personally, I am a fan of letting the little guys mature a little bit before tying them down long term. Like any exercise in gardening and farming, nothing is text book and a lot is left to your own judgement. If you begin seeing your plants drooping or unable to support themselves... probably a good idea to stake them. If you are growing in an intensive, constrained area and your seedling begin to grow into each other's space.. stake them.

Bugs

Make sure you are keeping a keen eye on your plants for any signs of bug infestations. If this happens within the first few weeks this can be absolutely devastating so make sure to check underneath all leaves to ensure that you are catching them as soon as possible. If you do find any infestations try using neem oil (available on Amazon) as a deterrent that wont pollute your crops. If you can't find need oil there are plenty of other solutions out there and a number of home remedies that claim to work wonders (don't quote me on that). Try one until it works!

PSA: Spiders are good for healthy eco systems (which your garden should always be). So, even though they may look creepy, leave them be!

Most importantly be patient for the next few weeks. Don't get down on yourself if you are not seeing the results you dreamed of when you first planted your plot, there are no blueprints for mother nature.

Week 1 (May 28)

Week 2 (June 4)