start

A start is a young plant grown in a container, usually a pot or cell tray, that has reached sufficient size and root development to be moved into its final growing location. In commercial horticulture and vegetable production, starts replace the need to sow seeds directly in the field, giving growers control over germination conditions and reducing losses to weather, pests, and poor soil contact.

Starts are typically 4 to 8 weeks old at transplant time, depending on the crop. Tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas are commonly grown as starts indoors under controlled light and temperature before moving to field or greenhouse beds. The seedling develops true leaves and a fibrous root system within the container medium, which usually contains peat, coco coir, or bark mixed with perlite or vermiculite for drainage. When roots begin to emerge from drainage holes or circle the container, the start is ready to move.

Starts come in various formats: individual pots ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter, cell trays with 6 to 288 individual compartments, or soil blocks made from compressed growing medium. Nurseries and seed companies produce starts at scale, controlling soil moisture, nutrient supply, and photoperiod to produce uniform, robust plants. Hardening off, the gradual exposure to outdoor conditions, typically takes 7 to 10 days before transplanting occurs.

The chief advantage of using starts is reduced transplant failure and more predictable crop timing. Seeds germinated indoors avoid soil crusting, damping-off fungus, and bird predation. Growers also gain 4 to 6 weeks of growing time, advancing harvest dates. The cost trade-off is the labor and overhead for greenhouse space, though this pays back quickly for high-value crops or short growing seasons.

Common problems with starts include leggy growth from insufficient light intensity, root-bound conditions if kept in containers too long, and transplant shock from sudden environmental change. Nutrient deficiencies can appear if starts remain in starting medium beyond their intended time; nitrogen depletion is typical around week 6. Disease pressure from fungi and damping-off organisms requires clean water, good air circulation, and sanitation of trays and pots.

The term start is regional North American usage; European growers often say seedling, plug, or transplant instead. In commercial seed production, starts are distinguished from liners, which are intermediate plants grown on for further development before final sale or field transplanting. For small-scale growers, purchasing starts from a nursery often proves more economical than maintaining propagation infrastructure.