Transplanting seedlings from indoor containers to your garden is like graduation day. Your babies are off to make their own way in the world. However, before you take this step, it's important to ensure that the seedlings are properly acclimatized to the outdoor environment. If you need a refresher on hardening off seedlings, check out our Gardening Guide on Hardening Off Seedlings. If you're ready to transplant, read on to discover how to do this in a way that will help your seedlings thrive in their new digs (sorry, plant pun).
Step 1: Choose the right time
Transplanting seedlings should be done when the weather is suitable. For most crops, the reason you are starting the seedlings indoors in the first place is because you need to wait until the last frost has passed to transplant them outside. However, some more advanced gardeners may choose to start seeds indoors well into the growing season in order to time their transplant with the removal of another crop that's passed its peak production capability. As always, check the seed packet to get the seed supplier's recommendations. Garden planning tools like plannt.ca are great for helping you keep all of these different dates straight, especially if you're into succession planning. Finally, to minimize stress on the seedlings, transplant either on a cloudy day or in the afternoon on a sunny day.
Step 2: Lay the groundwork
Before transplanting, you need to prepare the soil in your garden bed. Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, and remove any weeds or debris. You may choose to add compost or organic matter at this point to improve soil fertility and structure for the season. Water the soil before transplanting, so that it's moist, but not too wet. It can be helpful to make "pilot holes" to visually plan out where all of the seedlings will be going, especially if you have limited growing space. Always follow the plant spacing recommendations from the seed supplier. Overcrowded plants can become shaded out or stressed, which makes them more susceptible to disease and less productive. Finally, make sure that you have mulch on hand before starting so that everything is ready to go.
Step 3: Make the Move
Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, taking care not to damage their roots. You can use a small trowel or spoon to coax them out. If the roots are growing in a tight circle, gently tease them apart. Dig a hole in the soil that's big enough to accommodate the seedling's roots. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. For certain crops like tomatoes, you can bury them deeper to accommodate lanky stems. Backfill the hole with soil, and gently press the soil around the base of the plant to eliminate air pockets. Certain plants are more susceptible to diseases if their foliage is touching the ground. If this applies to your crop, check all of your transplanted seedlings. If you see this happening, either find a way to prop it up or simply trim the foliage off. Better safe than sorry!
Step 4: So Mulch Better
After transplanting, mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch will also help to suppress weeds and reduce soil compaction. Water the seedlings thoroughly, but avoid splashing water on the leaves (again- disease!).
Step 5: Be Supportive
If the plants are tall and spindly, prone to bending in the wind, or you know based on the crop type that they're going to need support as they grow, go ahead and set up all the stakes, cages, or trellises you need. It's better to set up the support sooner than later because you know exactly where all of the seedling root systems are and can provide support without disturbing them. If you need to tie plants to a support structure, be gentle and use soft twine (don't tie too tight!). One of my favourite methods for securing rows of tomatoes is the "Florida Weave" (Google it if you're curious).
To wrap this up: transplanting seedlings to your garden is a critical transition point in your growing season. By following these 5 simple steps, you can give your seedlings the best chance at thriving. Remember to be gentle, and think about what the mature plant will need. With a little bit of care and attention up front, you'll be sure to have a beautiful and productive garden full of healthy plants.
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