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Getting read for Spring – transplanting seedlings

Okay, you may not have a rice paddy to plant out, but transplanting your seedlings is key to getting your garden well established in spring. Begin transplanting when the first true leaves are forming, this is usually two to three weeks after sowing, but focus on the weather conditions in your area as well as the progress of the seeds, transplanting in cold weather retards their growth. When firming the soil avoid injuring tender stems. Immediately after transplanting, water each seedling container thoroughly. Wilting at this point can damage young plants severely. To prevent excessive wilting, shade plants from strong sunlight for several days after transplanting.

Frequently, plant quality suffers from crowding too many plants into a small area. Crowded seedlings become weak and spindly and are more susceptible to disease. Wider spacing or larger containers permit stronger growth. As a rule of thumb, to produce high quality plants, space them so that the leaves of one plant do not touch those of another.

Add water to soilless media only when moisture can no longer be squeezed out by pinching the medium between the thumb and forefinger. Water compost only when it no longer feels moist when rubbed between the fingers. Apply enough water so that some drips out of the drain holes in the bottom of the container. Be sure the water is passing through the root zone, not just down the inside wall of the container.

After seedling appear, and during early development, strong and rapid plant growth can be assured by watering the soil with a solution of soluble fertiliser which is specifically designed for plant production. Prepare the solution exactly as prescribed on the label, as too strong a mix can actually kill plants.

Transplanting photograph by IRRI Images, used under a creative commons attribution licence

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