Before you transplant seedlings, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you transplant seedlings. If the temperature is going to get too hot, or if it is already too hot, don’t transplant them. They will wilt. If the temperature is going to get too cold, or if it is already too cold, don’t transplant them. They will die. Don’t do it if your soil is too wet or too dry either; transplanted seedlings are very susceptible to drought and overwatering in their first week after being moved from their original pots into their new home. Finally, be sure you have time after transplanting to water your plants every day for at least a week afterward—they need consistent moisture until they become established in their new spots in your garden bed!
Transplanting your seedlings in the afternoon or evening will allow them time to settle in overnight.
Transplanting in the afternoon or evening is ideal, as it gives your seedlings time to settle into their new spot without being shocked by the sun. You’re also more likely to have an overcast day in the afternoon or evening. While transplanting on a rainy day may seem like it could work well, don’t do it. The rain will make your soil too wet and heavy, which will be difficult for your seedlings to get used to after their light and fluffy starting medium.
Be careful not to bury the leaves of your seedling.
When you are transplanting your seedlings, be careful not to bury the leaves under the soil. Make sure that the very top of your seedling is above ground level. This is important because while roots need soil to grow, your plant’s leaves need light to grow! If you accidentally bury the leaves, gently remove some soil until you see them again.
To improve transplant success, water them right after you move them.
After transplanting, you should water the seedlings thoroughly. Use a watering can with a nozzle that’s small enough to allow for careful placement of water at the base of each individual plant—if you’re using an overhead sprinkler, you’ll risk washing away seedlings. Water until you see it pool up in the bottom of the flat or tray.
Repeat this thorough watering every day until roots take hold—a process which will take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on temperature and humidity, so check in regularly. Don’t be too hasty to move transplants outdoors. They’ll need time acclimating to the harsher conditions there as well!
Check for bugs and remove them.
You’ll want to make sure you remove any bugs or eggs, as they can quickly turn into a huge infestation that will destroy your seedlings.
Common bugs on seedlings include aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails, and ants. To remove aphids and ants, take a bucket of soapy water outside with you when you’re transplanting. Just dip the infected plant in the soapy water for 20-30 seconds and the bugs should fall off! Be careful not to get soapy water inside the stem of your plants though (it might kill them).
The best way to trap slugs/snails is by turning over an old dish or bowl in your garden, filling it with beer (yeasty beer is best), then burying it up to its rim. The slugs/snails will be drawn to it and trapped! You can then throw them away in the garbage.
You can compost the container your seeds are in when you’re done using it.
What to do with the container these seedlings started in? It’s great that you can reuse the container for other plantings, or even use it to start more seeds. When it’s finally past its prime, you can compost the plastic-like material (it will break down over time) and use the soil elsewhere. You can also recycle your seed containers if they’re plastic. If they’re not recyclable and have no other use as storage containers, go ahead and toss them—just think of all the recycling you’ll be doing when you harvest those tomatoes!
You can do this!
This is the part where you can do it! You, yes you—can transplant seedlings. And so can your kids! Gardening with your children is a rewarding experience for both of you; they’ll learn about nature and plants, and you’ll get to spend time together outdoors doing something meaningful. It’s an awesome way to teach them about growing their own food, and learning about gardening as a kid is like learning to ride a bike: once learned, it’s never forgotten.
Plus, the satisfaction of looking out at your garden or windowsill, seeing those tiny green seedlings that were just sprouting when they were first transplanted, now flourishing under your care? That feeling of accomplishment alone is worth the effort.
Go get ’em!