Tips For Transplanting

Top Transplanting Techniques:

• Choose the right time to transplant. One of the worst things you can do to seedlings is abruptly moving them from indoors to outdoors. Gradually introduce seedlings to the outdoors over a span of a few days – placing them outside for 2-3 hours each day. This process is called “hardening off”.  The best time to transplant is during the plant’s dormant season – most species would yield the best results in the spring or fall. Avoid transplanting in extreme heat or cold – a mild, cloudy day is best to avoid excessive sun.
• Dig a hole larger than the root ball of the plant to ensure it has plenty of room to grow. Ensure the new plant site has great soil conditions, adequate sunlight (and shade depending on the species) and proper drainage. Before transplanting, water the plant thoroughly a day or two in advance. Moist soil makes it easier to remove the plant and reduces transplant shock.
• Be very gentle with the plant’s roots and handle with care when transplanting. Try to preserve as much of the root system as possible by digging around the root ball. When moving the plant, handle it by the root ball – not the stem/trunk.
• The plant should be placed in the new hole at the same depth as its previous location. Fill the hole with soil and press gently around the roots to firm up the soil and remove air pockets. If the roots are too clustered at the bottom of the hole, loosen and separate them thoroughly.
• Water the plant after transplanting thoroughly to assist in settling the soil and providing the roots with enough moisture. Water regularly during the first two weeks to help the plant acclimate. If the plant is wilting or its leaves are turning yellow over the first few weeks, change your watering frequency or provide more shade.