That's It... You're Outta the House.

No matter what climate you live in, if you start your little seedlings indoors then you're either currently transplanting them to your garden or eagerly awaiting the last frost. If this is your first year gardening, then you might be a little bit anxious. After all, some seedlings that are doing wonderfully indoors don't make it in the outside world. I figured, since planting time is upon us, that I would share a few tidbits about how to have a successful transplant.

1. Harden off your plants for a few weeks before transplanting. I begin by leaving the pots outside in partial shade for an hour a day and increase the time and sunlight a little bit each two or three days. My seedlings are now outside in their pots from the time I wake up until I go to bed and I make sure to leave them outside during the first hour or so of darkness so they'll be ready for the cool nights. They'll be transplanted next weekend so, beginning on Wednesday, I'll have them outside in their pots 24-hours to make sure they're ready.
2. While you're hardening off your plants, prepare their new home for them. Make sure the soil is loose and add a healthy amount of compost or fertilizer by using a tiller. If you don't have access to one, use a shovel and rake to get everything mixed up well. Doing this once or twice a week for a few weeks before transplanting ensures that the soil has had a chance to build a welcoming committee of useful nutrients and soil-borne root-friendly fungi.
3. Make sure that you have researched and planned your garden map. It's important to make sure that all of your seedlings have their place in the garden. You wouldn't want to get half way through transplanting when you realise that you have one square foot of space left for fifteen potato seedlings. Planning ahead and knowing how much space your seedlings need, based on the type of plants you started, will give your garden a better chance of survival. It's also important to consider what your plants will need when mapping out the garden. After all, you wouldn't want to put a full sun plant in the shade from your storage shed or a shade plant baking in the unprotected center of your yard.
4. Time it perfectly. Check the weather forcast to ensure that you're not in for a heat wave or cold snap and delay transplanting if necessary. Obviously the weather might sneak up on you after transplanting, but it's better to try to avoid an upcoming drought or blizzard if at all possible.
5. Water the seedlings thoroughly the day before transplanting to give them an added boost. You'll also water quite a bit while transplanting, but that's step 8.
6. If removing seedlings from the pots, tip the whole pot upside down and gently tap your push the bottom of the pot while using your other had to catch the seedling complete with root system and soil.
7. Place the seedlings in a dug hole that should be slightly larger than the soil ball coming with them. It's a good idea to add a little bit of extra fertilizer or compost in the bottom of this hole. Never carry the seedling by its stem or leaves if at all possible and try not to disturb the root system. If you soil ball is overcrowded with roots, then it is okay to gently tease some of the outer roots to encourage growth into the new soil.
8. Water down the filled hole thoroughly. Giving the seedlings extra water at this point will help to encourage growth and give the root system a chance to recover. It has, after all, just been ripped from it's very comfortable home and set down in alien territory.
9. Cover your seedlings to give them a better chance of survival. I use wooden stakes to hold up a cloth awning over my garden, but I've heard of people using the original planting pots or even cardboard boxes. Covering will protect the seedlings from over exposure to sun and heavy rainfalls. In decent conditions you may only have to cover for two or three days, but you should add a few days if the root system was damaged or if the seedling looks like it needs a little extra help.
10. Water your garden frequently and check up on your plants often. At this stage You're pretty much in the clear, but it's a good idea to keep an eye out for pests and conditions that may affect your seedlings. Once they've been in for a few days you can uncover them and enjoy your garden. :)

So, there you have it. Ten steps to successful transplanting. I wish you the best of luck during transplanting season and hope that your garden thrives.

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