How to Transplant Vegetable Plants into the Garden

Tomato seedlings should be planted when soil has warmed.

Growing a vegetable garden is equal measures hard work and relaxation -- whether you start your plants from seed or purchase vegetable plants from your local nursery. When working with transplants, take care to plant them properly to get your vegetables off to the best possible start.

Things You'll Need

• Watering can
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Consult the weather forecasts to ensure temperatures have warmed above freezing and to temperatures warm enough to support specific plant. Cool weather plants -- like lettuce, beets, Swiss chard and Brussels sprouts -- can be transplanted just as, or slightly before last frost. Heat lovers, like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, should wait until several weeks after last frost.

2. Water the soil in your garden or container thoroughly several hours before transplanting. Vegetable plants should be small. This helps their root system develop strong, sturdy and healthy plants.

3. Do not unpot seedlings growing in peat pots. Plant peat pots directly into the soil. Tear a small hole in the bottom of the pot before placing in the planting hole. This will help roots break through the bottom of the peat pot quicker. Tear down the lip of the pot if it extends above the soil line, otherwise it can wick moisture away from the plant. Pop plants out of plastic containers carefully, by pushing up on the bottom of the pot. Disturb the roots as little as possible.

4. Dig the hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding, using a trowel. Gently place the plant in the hole. Press soil firmly around plant. Water the newly planted vegetable transplants well.

5. Keep watch over your transplants and water thoroughly at least once per week.

Tips & Warnings

• Place transplants outdoors for several hours at a time before planting out. Increase the time spent outdoors from a couple of hours to 24 over the space of a week or so, to get them used to cooler outdoor temperatures and more intense sunlight.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Growing Transplants