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You are here: Home / Fruits & Vegetables / Growing Vegetables / How to Transplant Seedlings

How to Transplant Seedlings

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How To Transplant Seedlings

There is something special about getting started on the season earlier by starting your seeds inside. It brings spring into your life while there may still be snow on the ground. Transplanting is not terribly difficult, but there are things to keep in mind. There are special considerations when transplanting seedlings as opposed to planting seed directly in the ground.

Photo by Gardening Channel reader Leitte McManaman

Benefits of Starting Your Own Seedlings

There are a number of benefits of planting your own seedlings. Starting your own seed gives you more control over the variety of plants that you can start. Seedlings bought in the garden are generally only available in a couple of different types. In seed catalogs, you will find dozens of varieties that may better meet your needs. This includes multiple peppers and tomatoes that grow at different times, and have many different flavors.

Starting your own seed is also considerably less expensive than buying seedlings. Seeds typically cost from 1 to 2 dollars per packet, and give you the opportunity to plant ten or more seedlings. You also have the option to mix your own soil to ensure that plants are being grown organically, and without chemical fertilizers. Your own soil mix is generally less expensive as well.

When you plant your own seeds, you have a better chance of avoiding common diseases and problems that may afflict plants bought in the garden center. Some diseases spread easily, especially in crowded conditions where plants are touching. You also have more control over the strength of your plants compared to those in the store.

Prepare the Environment

Make sure that the soil is of good quality. The soil that you transplant into should be loose and able to hold moisture while also being able to drain properly. You can help accomplish this by adding organic matter to the soil such as compost, peat moss or well-aged manure. Also check the pH of the soil to make sure that it is balanced. Vegetables can tolerate some range in alkalinity and acidity of the soil. However, many plants prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. The pH can be measured using a testing kit or pH meter that can be purchased in any garden supply store.

Transplants need to be hardened off before planting. Because they have been raised indoors, they are not yet acclimated to the cold and wind that they will encounter when placed into the garden. Hardening off is the process of exposing plants gradually to the elements. This means that a week or so before the last frost, you should place plants outside for a few hours each day. Start with a shady and somewhat protected spot and gradually introduce your plants to more of the elements.
How to Transplant Seedlings

Tips for Transplanting Seedlings

Journal

It is a smart idea at this point to keep a garden journal. In it, you can keep track of what you plant, where you plant, and when you plant each year. You can also journal about any problems that you have each year.

Prevent Shock

Transplants should be transferred to the ground during a cooler time. You can plant on a cloudy day or later in the afternoon.

Water

Water holes where plants will go until the ground is wet. This helps to loosen the soil so that the plant can easily take root. It is also important to water the plants once they are set in the garden.

Be Kind to Roots

When removing plants from the pots where they have started, be very careful when removing them. Tender roots are easily torn when they are removed.

Watch Carefully

During the first two weeks, it is important to pay close attention to transplants. They are especially vulnerable during this time. They may require more water or extra shade on a sunny, warm day.

Want to learn more about transplanting seedlings?

Check out these helpful Extension websites:
Seed Starting and Transplanting from University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
Transplanting Annuals into the Garden from Penn State Extension

started seeds and flower seeds started in newspaper pots with text overlay how to transplant seedlings benefits of starting your own seedlings

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Filed Under: Growing Vegetables Tagged With: transplant seedlings, transplanting seedlings

Comments

  1. Mechtelde says

    May 1, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    but I have already put my seedlings out and some were shocked. Especially the eggplants and fig trees. The fig tree leaves turned white. The egg plant leaves turn brown. There are little baby leaves still surviving. Should I cut the white leaves off the fig?

    Reply
  2. Kathy says

    November 24, 2015 at 12:01 am

    I try to make sure that I plant a little bit often to ensure that my seedlings survive, I get enough to harvest through the season and my garden doesnt get over crowded. Its working for me! http://bit.ly/1lc0fWA

    Reply
  3. belen lagasca says

    November 24, 2015 at 5:02 am

    Good stuff

    Reply
    • belen lagasca says

      November 24, 2015 at 5:05 am

      I want more knowledge about how to plants easily..so it helps my budget thrifty.

      Reply
  4. David C. says

    March 13, 2016 at 9:30 am

    The seed starting medium recipe I use and recommend can be found in this article:
    http://gardening101.net/homemade-seed-starting-trays
    I don’t recommend adding any composts or manures to seed starting mediums. Both contain excess salts that can reduce or prevent germination and can draw moisture away from the emerging seedlings.
    They have also been shown to hold herbicides, pesticides, pathogens, and weed seeds for years.
    The source of the manure doesn’t matter, it’s the source of the livestock feed that has to be taken into consideration.
    https://extension.umd.edu/learn/gardener-alert-beware-herbicide-contaminated-compost-and-manure
    After they emerge, I recommend feeding seedlings with a diluted, controlled fertilizer so there is no risk of burning young plants. How I make my constant feed is in this article: http//gardening101.net/vegetable-seed-planting-guide

    Reply

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