Homegrown: Transplanting seedlings

Linn County Master Gardener, Jane Schildroth, provided the following information about hardening off and transplanting seedlings:

Now that it's "safe" to plant in Eastern Iowa, seedlings and transplants you have been encouraging indoors will need some “tough love” as you prepare to move them into their spot in the garden.

  Or maybe you have a special pot or container in mind to add a bit of color or whimsy to certain bed.  Whatever you have in mind, allow 7-10 days to “harden” the babies to the real world by placing them in a protected, preferably shady place.  Slowly increase the sunlight they get each day and let them dry out a bit.  If the nights are still predicted to be chilly, move your plants indoors.

If you have a flat of seedlings, it's a good idea to cut around each plant and then water these chunks to stimulate root growth.  Do this the day before you intend to plant so the shock won't be quite as great. 

On the day of planting, wait until the afternoon if possible and also provide a bit of sun block for your new plants until they have a chance to get established.  This too, reduces their stress.  Don't put a tight cover on them, however, or they will cook!  If your seedlings are in peat pots, be sure to plant them below the surface of the soil and tear away any paper or peat that is above the ground.  This material could wick away moisture from your little plants.

Each plant will need 1-2 cups of a starter fertilizer right after planting.  You might use a 12-12-12 fertilizer, adding 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water to get the right strength.  If you use too much, you might burn your transplants. 

Now, as you begin to harden off your seedlings, start thinking about possible pots if you don't want them all in garden beds.  Just about any sturdy container that has drainage will do.  Be sure the pot doesn't over-power your plantings, though.  Get creative, apply the tough love described here, add some TLC during the move and enjoy watching your little ones thrive!