What to do after receiving your plug plants?

Your order of vegetable plug plants and herb plug plants has just arrived! These young plants allow you to get a head start on sowing and save time in the vegetable garden. Among the most common are tomatoes, melons, cabbages, peppers and chillies, sweet potatoes, courgettes and aubergines for the vegetable garden, as well as basil, parsley, chives and mint for herb gardens. Here are the essential steps to properly receive, prepare and plant them to ensure their establishment and vigorous growth.

Unpack and check your vegetable plug plants

Upon receipt, carefully open your package. The plug plants are packed in biodegradable cardboard trays that protect them during transport. Check that the plants are in good condition:

The leaves should be green and vigorous
The roots should be moist and not dried out
No signs of mould, yellowing or wilting

If the plants seem slightly tired, don't worry! A bit of water and light will help them recover quickly.

Left: basil plug plant. Right: thyme plug plant.

Rehydrate your plug plants

Before planting, it's essential to rehydrate the roots:

Soak the plug plants in a container of water at room temperature for a few minutes
Drain them slightly before planting

This helps prevent water stress and ensures good plant establishment.

Choose the right location

Vegetable and herb plants should be planted in well-drained soil rich in nutrients. Be careful, some species are sensitive to cold temperatures!

In open ground: enrich the soil with mature compost or well-rotted manure*
In pots, planters or raised beds: use a special vegetable and herb compost, well-draining and enriched with organic fertiliser

*Note: some vegetable plants, such as tomatoes or courgettes, are often too young to be planted directly in open ground. It's better to pot them on into larger pots with compost for a few weeks before their final planting in the vegetable garden.