Transplanting sprouted seeds requires care to avoid damaging the delicate seedlings. Here's how to do it successfully:
When to Transplant
The ideal time to transplant seedlings is after they've developed their first set of true leaves. These are the leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves (cotyledons). The plant is more robust at this stage and better able to handle the stress of transplanting.
Tools You'll Need
- Small pots or containers filled with appropriate potting mix
- A pencil, popsicle stick, small butter knife, or similar tool for gently teasing seedlings apart
- Watering can or spray bottle with water
Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the New Containers: Fill your new pots or containers with a high-quality potting mix. Make a small well in the center of each container where you will place the seedling.
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Gently Separate the Seedlings: If you sowed multiple seeds in one starting container, you'll need to separate them. Moisten the soil in the starting container slightly. Using your chosen tool (pencil, popsicle stick, etc.), gently loosen the soil around the seedlings. Carefully tease the seedlings apart, trying to disturb the roots as little as possible. If the roots are very tangled, you may need to sacrifice the weaker seedling(s).
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Handle with Care: Always handle seedlings by their leaves (specifically, the cotyledons or true leaves) rather than by their stems. The stem is very fragile and easily damaged. If the stem is damaged, the seedling is unlikely to survive.
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Transplant the Seedlings: Carefully lift the seedling and place its roots into the prepared well in the new container. Ensure the roots are pointing downwards, not bunched up.
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Fill and Settle: Gently fill the rest of the container with potting mix, burying the seedling up to the base of its true leaves. Don't pack the soil too tightly.
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Water Gently: Water the newly transplanted seedling gently to settle the soil. Use a watering can with a rose head or a spray bottle to avoid dislodging the seedling.
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Provide Proper Care: Place the transplanted seedlings in a location with appropriate light (usually indirect sunlight at first, then gradually more direct light). Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Important Considerations
- Hardening Off: If you plan to plant your seedlings outdoors, you'll need to "harden them off" gradually. This involves exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods each day over a week or two to acclimate them to the sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
- Root Damage: Try to minimize root disturbance during the transplanting process. Damaged roots can stress the seedling and hinder its growth.
- Timing: Avoid transplanting during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or late afternoon is best.
- Spacing: When transplanting to a garden bed, ensure proper spacing between plants based on their mature size.
