Today I am excited to share a super simple trick that will help give those veggie seedlings a great start in your vegetable garden!
Talking about seedlings, here’s a tutorial on a super quick way to start seeds! 
Have you noticed with the hot sun and transplant shock, little seedlings could shrivel up on the first day?
I was being my nerdy self, sitting under a tree trying to come up with a design for a removable shade structure so we can start planting some seedlings, when I caught myself saying “how lovely it is to be sitting under the dappled shade of a tree!” Wait!! I can make some ‘mini-trees’ in the garden!
Sometime the best solution is so obvious and so simple!
Step 1: Find a tree with small leathery leaves (see tips at the end for why), trim off some small branches
Step 2: Plant the seedlings you just got from the nursery, and give them a good water
Step 3: Stick the branches next to your newly planted seedlings, so each seedling is shaded from the south and west, so the hottest time of day they are protected!
Step 4: Water them daily for at least 3-4 more days, by then there should be no signs of stress: droopy leaves, etc. After a week, the branches can be removed or simply scattered as mulch!
Some additional tips!
- small leathery leaves can create nice lacy dappled shade and can hold up for a few days! I used Acacia tree branches here.
- some great common plants to use are : Boxwood, Holly, Oak, Rhaphiolepis, Acacia, Myrtle, … just google image them you will recognize some for sure!
- common plants not to use: Eucalyptus can stun the growth of other plants, and Oleander is poisonous. If unsure, take a cutting to a good nursery, and they can help you identify the plant.
It’s day 4 in our garden, all seedling are well established although it’s been sunny and in the high 70s each day! I think this method works great because these branches not only shade the plants, but also shade the soil to keep it moist and cool.
If you have been waiting to plant your veggies, perhaps give this one a try? Wish you a bountiful vegetable garden!
Source: apieceofrainbow.com
