How to transplant those seeds you’ve been germinating
Are you looking for a guide on how to transplant your germinated seeds in a more spacious setting? Then look no further- This article answers all of your questions.
It is a wonderful feeling when your seeds germinate after weeks of hard work and turmoil. If you’ve been successful in germinating those vegetable seeds we told you about in our previous article, we suggest you transplant them now. If you have already started planning when and how to transplant them, then good for you! However, if you’ve not given transplanting a thought yet, now is the right time to ponder on its benefits. Transplanting means planting germinated leaflets in a more commodious setting. This can be beneficial for your plants in numerous ways; Transplanting is known to enhance the growth of plants and allow efficient ground utilization. Transplanting seedlings is a cost-effective and efficient method to grow your plants. If you want to know how to transplant your germinated seedlings, here are 10 steps to guide you through.
Signs that it is time for replanting your seedlings
If your germinated seedlings are showing any of these signs, now is the most appropriate time to transplant them.
- They are showing true leaves. If even they show three to four fully grown leaves, we suggest you transplant them. Otherwise, they will grow out of space and show poor growth
- Their first leaves known as cotyledons are falling off
- They have developed a root structure and the roots are entwined around each other in a complex nexus.
- They are getting too crowded; if the seedlings are looking congested and cramped then it is a clear sign that they need transplanting. Relieve them of their misery and get transplanting!
Transplanting of seedlings is done in early spring and fall. These seasons offer the best conditions for the plants to grow such as moderate temperature and ample sunlight.
Make sure that they are big enough before transplanting
You can determine when to transplant the seedlings by looking at their size. Once the plant has grown in the pot and is about twice the size of the pot, it is big enough to be transplanted. If a plant has attained the aforementioned size, then chances are that it will be difficult for it to get sufficient nutrients and retain enough water required for its growth. The leaves in this case would look parched and dry since the roots absorb all water leaving almost nothing for the vegetable leaves. Subsequently, if the leaves lose their color and show signs of withering, you should know that they are big enough to be transplanted. If you transplant immature and young seedlings, then they will not grow in a new medium; since the plants require a root structure to grow in a new medium.
Prepare the new environment for transplanting
A suitable environment for transplanted seedlings is one that ensures that they thrive and adjust well to their new settings. Add some nutrients and fertilizers to ensure that the seedlings receive an energized environment, better suited for their growth. Make sure that the temperature of the day of transplanting is moderate, too hot or frosty weather highly discourages the growth of newly transplanted seedlings. The ideal setting for your young seedlings is a cloudy day with nice warm winds.
Gear up and gather the tools
If you’ve got a set of plants with developed root structure and large leaves, then it won’t be possible for you to transplant those with your bare hands. That’s why we suggest you get some tools. We won’t ask you to buy some expensive tools from Amazon, all you need is to have some basic gardening tools. Gather these tools to start transplanting your seedlings
- A shovel to dig up the plants. A gardener’s trusted weapon, a shovel, is necessary to dig out the germinated seedlings and transplant them in a new environment.
- A yard cart to carry the young seedlings to the new environment. A cart is easy to move and will help you transport those seedlings to a new place efficiently.
- Make sure that you have an ample supply of water to keep the newly planted seeds hydrated and fresh throughout their transplant journey.
Gently remove the plants from their pots or containers
While removing the plant from the pot, make sure that the root structure is not damaged. These roots are necessary to transplant the seedling and if they are torn, then chances are that your seedlings won’t show proper growth. Prior to removing the plants, it is a good idea to loosen up the soil. This will allow you to remove the plants from the pot easily, thus maintaining the root structure
Ensure that the temperature is suitable for the plants’ growth
All vegetables and plants require an optimum temperature to grow. Try to maintain that temperature throughout transplanting them so that the plants thrive. If you are transplanting them outside, then make sure that the wind is not too strong, otherwise, the seedlings would not be able to anchor their roots into the soil. It is also necessary to transplant only hardened seedlings or they will not grow.
Add fertilizers to enhance the growth
The addition of fertilizers is the most important method when transplanting the young seedlings. Fertilizers boost the growth, enhance the ability of young plants to absorb water, and are good for the overall growth of the plant. When the seeds have been transplanted to a new medium, carefully sprinkle the fertilizer over the seedlings. You could also add mulch to better the growth of the plants and to protect the young seedlings. While adding fertilizers, make sure that the plants are not entirely covered with it so that the plants can still get ample sunlight.
Be vary of transplant shock
If a plant sustains any damage during transplant, the growth of the transplanted seedling ceases. This occurs when the roots or stems of the plants are damaged and in this way the plant loses nutrients and cannot absorb water or any more nutrients. This state of plants is known as transplant shock. That is why make sure that the plants are taken out of their previous setting safely and they are sturdy enough to survive this process.
If your transplanted seedlings are showing signs of being under a transplant shock, put the young seedlings under shade. The shade will help them regain their health and move them out of the shade once they show promising signs of growth.
Keep the pests and insects away
Young and newly germinated seedlings are delicate; they need to be protected from any attack from pests and insects. Plants immediately after transplanting have low resistance against pests, therefore be on your guard and keep an eye on their growth. During and after transplanting, ensure that there are no parasitic insects on your seedlings. If you are transplanting the seedlings outdoors, the natural predators of the pests will make sure that they do not harm your plant. You could also place aromatic herbs around your newly transplanted seedlings. These herbs deter the onslaught of pests and restrict them from harming your plants.
Water them well
The importance of water cannot be undermined. When the plant is transitioning from a young seedling to a mature plant, water plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the important organs of the plant. Water the transplanted seedling regularly and properly so that they thrive and bloom. This factor can be particularly important if the plants are transplanted in any outside setting. The rule of thumb while watering the plants is that the soil needs to be moist throughout the growth phase and that the plant should have ample moisture and water content to grow.
Give them ample sunlight
Sunlight is the harbinger of rapid growth. Transplanted seedlings require a decent amount of sunshine and warmth to grow. If you are growing the seedlings outside, then this won’t be that big of a problem. However, if you are transplanting the seeds indoors, then make sure that you are providing them with sufficient sunlight. If you feel as if they are not getting enough light, you can always use a pair of grow lights to maximize their exposure to sunlight.
Conclusion
Transplanting is a delicate and important process that boats multifarious benefits. If your vegetable seeds have finally germinated, then you can transplant them in a more spacious setting to allow them to grow freely. Allow the seedlings to germinate indoors and when you see true leaves appearing, know that it is the right time to transplant them. Transplant only hardened seedlings and before transplanting prepare the garden bed by adding fertilizers. Do these things and you will see your transplanted seedlings showing signs of bloom in no time!
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