Gardening is boring.
How-to guides for supporting climbing plants, pricking out and potting on seedlings, and rescuing self-seeded seedlings.
Written in partnership with Boring® Oat Milk.
This spring, Sage Journal is partnering with Boring® Oat Milk to bring a fresh perspective to garden prep. We’re embracing the basics that lay the foundation for a thriving growing season. Together, we’re taking a lighthearted approach, inviting you to find joy in these ‘boring’ but essential spring garden tasks.
This mid-spring guide covers practical, step-by-step tips to help you set up your garden for the season ahead.
While gardening may sometimes feel like a series of small, humdrum tasks, it’s these very basics — supporting climbing plants, pricking out and potting on seedlings, and replanting self-seeded seedlings — that will get you closer to the summer blooms and lush garden growth we’re all hoping for. It begins here.
Follow along with us this season as we uncover the beauty in the basics — #gardeningisboringnz
How to support climbing plants
Set it up before you plant
The best time to put up plant supports is before you plant. Adding stakes and supports later risks damaging the plant’s roots — and that’s a headache you don’t need.
Match the support to the plant
Not all supports are equal. Different plants have different needs. Research which support matches your plant’s growth habit, and make sure it’s tall enough to handle the plant when fully grown.
Stakes for single-stemmed plants
Single stakes are perfect for plants like capsicums, delphiniums and sunflowers. Just make sure to drive them into the ground at least one-third deep for stability — nobody wants toppling plants.
Trellises for vining plants
Vining plants like sweet peas, beans and cucumbers thrive with trellises. Secure them to a fence or create an A-frame. Be sure to anchor them firmly into the ground or attach them to a nearby structure.
Cages for bushy plants
Tomatoes, dahlias and asters: They do best with cages. Buy one from the garden centre or get creative with a DIY bamboo teepee.
Tie & prune as they grow
As your plants grow, use twine to gently tie the stems to the support. Keep on top of pruning too — heavy top growth can bring down the whole structure in a strong wind. We want to avoid a plant pile-up!
Store supports for next season
When the growing season’s done, don’t forget to dismantle, clean and store your supports. It’s a small step that makes next year’s setup a breeze.
Pricking out & potting on seedlings
Wait for the true leaves
Seedlings can stay in trays until their first true leaves show up. These are the second set of leaves — they’ll look more like the real leaves of the plants you’re raising than the first did.
Time to pot on
Once those true leaves appear, it’s time to transplant into fresh potting mix and a larger pot. Your seedlings will need the extra nutrients to grow up strong.
Tools for pricking out
Grab your dibber, widger, or a trusty butter knife. Something with a tapered end will make pricking out those delicate seedlings easy peasy.
Free the roots
Gently bury your tool under the seedling and slowly free the roots. Don’t rush — it’s all about finesse here.
Handle with care
Lift the seedling with your tool from below and guide it by the leaves with your fingers. Whatever you do, don’t touch the stem — once broken, it’s game over.
Into the new pot
Use your finger to make a hole in the new soil and pop the seedling in. Tap down the soil to remove any air pockets.
Bottom watering only
Skip the overhead watering — those new stems are fragile. Bottom water instead, to keep things safe.
Let them mature
Give them a few weeks to mature outdoors before planting them in the garden. Patience, always.
Rescuing self-seeded seedlings
Spot the difference
Weed or future star of the garden? It’s a fine line. Compare leaves with mature plants before you pull up the plant (or pull the plug).
Expect the unexpected
Found a seedling growing in a crack in the pavement and along a gravel path? Plants like to go rogue sometimes. Your next big bloomer could be right underfoot.
Pick the perfect moment
Spring is transfer season.
Cooler weather = less stressed plants. Plus, spring rain does half the work for you.
Hydrate before moving
Give your seedling a drink before you relocate. Happy roots are less likely to throw a tantrum when you move them.
Prepping the new spot
Clear out weeds and loosen the soil. Make sure the new location matches the plant’s sunlight and soil needs.
Relocate with care
Use a trowel to gently remove the seedling from the soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Pop the seedling in the hole and water with seaweed solution — the perfect ‘welcome home’ gift.
Mulch
Top it all off with some mulch to keep the moisture in and the weeds out.
Keep the seedling well watered.
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In partnership with Boring® Oat Milk.
This spring, Sage Journal is teaming up with Boring® Oat Milk to bring you a series of weekly gardening tips, shared on our social media channels. Together, we’re celebrating the beauty in the basics — those humdrum tasks that make all the difference in the garden. After all, one person’s boring may be another person’s most interesting.
