How to Transplant Seedlings to Your Garden

Transplant seedlings to the garden after temperatures warm in spring.

Transplanting seedlings to the garden seems like a risky endeavor. The young plants look too small and fragile to be placed outdoors, where they will be subject to the elements, insects and neighborhood animals. Seedlings are much tougher than they appear, however, and usually do well if provided with a growing site that meets their needs. Getting them used to the outdoor atmosphere a little at a time helps make their transition smoother and increases their chances of survival.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Spoon
• High phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Carry the seedlings outdoors and place them in a partially shady location. Choose a calm day with temperatures that are warm enough not to harm the young plants, which depends upon the type of seedling being grown. Allow the plants to remain outdoors for two to three hours.

2. Continue to expose the seedlings to the outdoors each day that conditions are suitable, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside. This process, known as "hardening off," takes seven to 10 days.

3. Provide only enough water to keep the seedlings from wilting during this period.

4. Prepare the growing location by loosening the soil to the necessary depth and incorporating any recommended soil amendments.

5. Dig a planting hole twice the diameter of the seedlings' root ball and the same depth.

6. Use a spoon to dip under the seedlings and lift them from their growing containers. Avoid grasping the plants by their stems, as this could cause irreparable damage.

7. Plant the seedlings at the depth they were growing before and cover the roots well. Pat down the soil to eliminate pockets of air. Leave the recommended amount of space between each seedling, which depends upon the mature size of the plant you are growing.

8. Mix 1 tbsp. of high phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer to one gallon of water. Water the plants deeply right after planting with the solution. Repeat the application each week, until steady, vigorous growth begins.

9. Provide water as necessary for the type of seedlings you are growing. It's important that they are watered regularly during the first few weeks after planting, as this is the time when new roots are developing.

References

• University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension; Seed Starting and Transplanting; Wayne Vandre; April 2010
• Texas A&M University; Timely Tips on Starting Seedlings at Home; E. E. Janne, et al.; January 2001
• University of Minnesota Extension; Starting Seeds Indoors; February 2009
• Washington State University Extension; Hardening Off Transplants; Norma Rossel