| If you started vegetable or flower seeds indoors, the seedlings will be
reaching the size and time for transplanting during the next month or two.
You should not, however, set the young plants directly into the open garden from
an indoor environment. Instead, starting about one week before transplanting
them into the garden, take the plants outside in the daytime and bring them
indoors again at night — especially if frost is possible. Gradually expose
them to lower temperatures and more sunlight. This process, called
"hardening off," will prepare the seedlings for the fluctuations of
light and temperature they will experience when planted in the garden.
Once your seedlings have been hardened off and the soil in your garden is
warm and dry enough to be workable, you'll be ready for transplanting. Keeping
in mind that you want to disturb the roots of the plants as little as possible,
follow these steps for transplanting:
- To reduce shock to transplants, water them and the ground before planting.
If possible, transplant late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day.
- If your seedlings are in peat pots, tear off the top edge so it can't act
as a wick and dry out the rootball. If they are not in plantable pots, tip
the pots upside down and tap on the bottom to remove the rootballs without
touching them. Don?t pull the plants out by the stem!
- Dig a hole, set the transplant in place, and gently firm the soil around
the plant. If your garden soil needs improving, mix some new soil in with
the existing soil before transplanting.
- Make a small temporary basin with the soil around the plant, then water
lightly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets that may be left
around the rootball.
- Continue to water frequently enough to keep the soil moist until the roots
become established.
- Protect the transplants from frost, if necessary, by covering them at
night with plastic foam cups, coffee cans, or plastic film. Remove the
covering during the day to prevent undue heat buildup.
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