Transplanting is a common practice among several gardeners and vegetable growers, but why?
Think of it this way: wouldn’t it be less time-consuming to purchase a transplant than sowing the seeds from scratch and waiting longer for growth?
On another note, transplanted plants offer stronger yields because their roots are hardier thanks to the rough and tumble of outside conditions they’ve been exposed to.
Stick around as I delve into some tips worth considering when transplanting or purchasing a transplant.
What Is Transplanting?
Transplanting involves moving an already growing plant from one area to another. Some plants are easier to transplant than others.
For instance, I’d rather transplant a deciduous plant over the winter rather than cut through a deep-rooted parsnip plant.
Now, you need to remember that transplanting isn’t a naturally occurring event in a plant’s life unless it’s exposed to soil erosion.
For this reason, it’s a challenging process since you risk shocking the plant. Consequently, it can lead to root damage, inhibited photosynthesizing, and wilting.
The transplanting process takes several variables into account, including water intake, temperature, soil conditions, and wind.
These factors decide whether or not you did a good job evicting a plant from its seeding home.
Transplanting Tips to Keep in Mind
Transplanting is a fragile process and tends to exert lots of stress on your plants. Subsequently, I find that these tips will ease your plant into its new home with the least damage.
Choose the Best Timing
The first factor you need to consider is timing. The best seasons to transplant are usually spring and fall. During these two seasons, root growth tends to increase, compensating for the root damage transplanting will cause.
If you transplant during fall, do so at least five weeks before the frost hits. That way, your plant has more time to regrow its roots back to optimal health.
On the other hand, if your area typically experiences harsh winters and long rainy springs, you can transplant it during the latter season.
If you’re wondering why you can’t transplant during the summer, it’s because the high temperatures can suck out your plant’s much-needed moisture.
Unless it’s a cloudy, cool day, transplanting on a sunny day is a recipe for a dry disaster.
Consider Soil Differences
As you begin the transplanting process, you’ll likely end up with a root ball. Keeping it intact or breaking it apart depends on the new soil.
If it’s the same type of soil as its previous home, then you can move the root ball as is. On the other hand, if the soil differs in type, you’ll have to submerge the root ball in water.
Afterward, gently remove the chunks of old soil from it without damaging the roots too much. This will help maintain a uniform water intake throughout the plant’s root system.
Protect the Roots
Roots are essential because they’re responsible for water and nutrient absorption, which keep the plant alive.
Subsequently, you need to handle them with special care during transplanting. That means grabbing pruning shears and snipping off damaged ends.
You’ll also want to create a barrier protecting the exposed roots using compose or a damp newspaper. That’ll keep them from drying out.
Transplant with Care
Whether you’re in a gardening store purchasing a transplant or transplanting one of your own, you must ensure the plant is in a healthy condition.
The plant should be sufficiently hydrated to handle the transplanting root exposure causing significant water loss. In most cases, smaller plants are a better option to transplant. They should have at least four to eight leaves.
You’ll also need to inspect the seedling for a healthy cutting to ensure a successful propagation.
Avoid Pruning Leaves
Some people believe that pruning your leaves from the top will help cut back on your plant’s energy expenditure and transpiration when transplanting.
Nonetheless, the opposite is true because pruning promotes new leaf growth. Instead, you can place the plant in a shaded environment to minimize transpiration.
Fertilize the Transplant
A transplant needs all the help it can get. You can feed it one to two cups of starter fertilizer after planting it in its new home.
You can create this starter fertilizer by mixing one to two tablespoons of 20-20-20 or another all-purpose fertilizer in a gallon of water.
Remember to be mindful of the fertilizer amount you feed the transplant since too much can cause burns.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an early harvest or saving seed costs, transplanting is an ideal solution. Nonetheless, the process can be strenuous on plants since it involves root exposure and risks transplant shock.
Fortunately, you can implement several precautions to avoid issues, such as finding the best timing, protecting the roots, and fertilizing the transplant.
These steps will ensure a warmer welcome for your plant in its new home.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.