By Shidonna Rave, Chef Editor
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Image / Photo Source: Unsplash, Daniel Oberg
This season we have been true to transplanting for a couple of reasons. We started our gardening season in February prior to the last frost. When you begin planting before the last frost, you must do so inside where the plants can survive the frost weather. We also wanted to give our plants a head start before going into the ground. We were also planting seedlings to go to other homes and possibly kitchens, so we put them in pots so they would be ready to roll once they were plants. Many of these plants were herbs who did not fair well from the mold outbreaks in the mini greenhouse aka garage. Since then they have been resown. Many herbs have been resown into soil blocks. Stay tuned for more on soil blocks.
We enjoyed the transplanting route. However, many plants such as dill and carrots do not like being transplanted nor can not be transplanted (respectively). So, the transplanting process is not for every plant. Read your seed package and do the research to find out if your seedlings will tolerate the process. It is worth noting here that soil blocks can make the transplanting process easier and less stressful for your plants. If you have questions about transplanting just leave us a comment and we will get right back to you. And stay tuned for more on soil blocks.
Green bean is one of our successful transplants. All of our transplants were successful. However, once outside it is a whole new ball game. These plants have to be able to withstand the weather, the outside elements and the pests that come along with it. For instance pumpkin and the first green bean plant did very well. Until a culprit took their leaves right off leaving just a steam. The ants are good but we don’t think they are that good. So, we are still looking for the pest that was responsible for that. Outside of ants the plants have had no real outside dangerous or pests. But it is worthy to note here.
Because of the conditions outside we decided early that we wanted the transplants to be on the bigger side when they went outside. We also wanted them to be in a healthy state. Good health in your plants is important in transplanting because you do not want pests to attack your plants once you put them in the outside environment. Regardless of how well you transplant, your plants will experience some degree of stress during the process. So, you want them as healthy and strong as possible for the process.
When you get ready to begin the transplant process you want to begin by acclimating those strong and healthy plants you have elected for the transplant process. During the acclimation process you leave your plants outside in their well drained pots in an area close to your garden if not in your garden. You will leave them outside for part if not the whole day. You may decide that only part of the day is good enough to have your plantlings out and the other part of the day may be too much for them to become acclimated to. Or the weather conditions during part of your transplant days may not be favorable for transplanting. During these times you can bring your plantlings in. The idea of acclimation is to get your plants acclimated to their new garden and thus mitigating the shock and stress of the transplanting process. Up to now your plants have been set in an inside environment and shielded from outside elements and for the most part pests. Going outside into the ground is a big deal for them.
Plants that undergo shock can become sick and be attacked by pests and die. A friend brought me a couple of plants straight from the nursery and we put them straight into the ground. This was a big no no and we lost about 3 – 4 plants because of it. We had an ant attack and a few other plants had to be nursed back into good health. In retrospect these plants should have been brought inside thus mimicking the environment they had just come from and then acclimated to their outside environment. Nonetheless, with care and organic pest treatments most of the plants survived.
I typically give my plants three days to become acclimated to their outside environments. During this time I give them some shield from the outside environment (like a wall on one side). I constantly check on how they are dealing with the acclimation. Are their leaves high or droopy? Do you see adverse affects on your plants or are they about the same or better? Of course I water them with a light mist and make sure they have proper drainage. If any plants show stress I bring them back in and bring them into good health and strength. I may let them grow more. I basically get them to a point where they are ready to begin the transplanting process.
For those plants that acclimate well to their new outside home in the pot. I turn them over; give the bottom of the pot a tap to loosen them from their pots and place them in a hole level to the top of the soil of the transplant and then cover them with a mound. We highly recommend putting compost in the hole before putting your plant in. Once the plant is in the ground, give it a generous helping of water. Making sure to water the roots and not the leaves. Also, when you bring the plant out of the pot check for any pests or infestations. Check for any problems.
Once the plant is in the ground continue to water it each day with a healthy dose of water. Check the plant daily for any signs of stress or pests. Remedy any issues fast. Once your plant has begun to grow and looks healthy with no signs of stress, then chances are your plant has successfully been transplanted. Continue to nurture this plant as you would the other plants in your garden. We are excited to share our experience with transplanting with you. If you have begun transplanting then that means you have a full garden outside. Curious to know if your plant is transplant friendly?
Leave us a comment. Think carefully when selecting a spot for your garden. You want to make sure it will have everything it needs for the type of plants you will be growing. Do you have questions? Ask us. Looking forward to learning more about soil blocks and how they can help you with transplanting? Stay tuned.
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