INTRODUCTION

Vegetable bedding plants are commonly grown in the Northeast as part of the spring sales mix or for field setting. Although vegetable bedding plants may only be in the greenhouse for a short period of time, it is important to produce a high quality pest-free transplant. This can pose a challenge. A review of pesticide labels indicates that there are no growth regulators and only a limited number of insecticides and fungicides labeled for greenhouse-grown vegetable bedding plants. Most pesticides labeled for ornamental bedding plants are not labeled for vegetable bedding plants.

Integrated pest management (IPM) offers a practical way to effectively manage pests on vegetable bedding plants. Through the use of sound cultural practices, monitoring techniques, accurate problem identification, and timely implementation and evaluation of appropriate management strategies, growers can improve vegetable bedding plant production while minimizing their reliance on routine pesticide applications. IPM utilizes many different management options: cultural, physical, mechanical, biological and chemical. Routine crop inspection alerts growers to developing pest and cultural problems while they are still minor and can be easily managed. Early detection and intervention is the foundation of an IPM program.

To begin, obtain up-to-date cultural information and schedules for producing vegetable bedding plants. Grow the crops at appropriate temperature. Many cole crops such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower may “button” or flower prematurely if grown at too low a temperature. Vegetable bedding plants also benefit from a gradual hardening off period before they are transplanted into the field. Gradual exposure to outdoor growing conditions and reduced watering at the end of the growing period help toughen the young plant. Note: Exposure of tomato plants to temperature below 60° F will likely result in rough fruit later. Consult with your seed supplier or review the references listed at the end of this fact sheet for information specific to the crops you will be growing. Pay particular attention to scheduling times, light, temperature and nutritional requirements needed to grow healthy transplants.