Transplanting is an important part of seedling care. Whether you need to move a plant to a larger pot or outdoors into open ground, it's crucial to do it correctly. Caring for the plant before transplanting is just as important as caring for it afterward. The process itself is simple, but there's a catch: if done incorrectly, you can kill the seedling.
Rules for picking
The most important rule is caution. Some preventative measures will help the seedling cope with this stress more easily. The soil should be moist and prepared for transplanting. All pests should be exterminated. It is imperative to trim off dead or rotten roots with sharp, clean scissors.
There are two main methods for transplanting seedlings: transshipment and transplanting. Using the first method, prepare a hole in well-fertilized soil. The hole should be wider than the seedling pot, and the depth depends on the height of the seedling. Place your hand on the soil so that the seedling stem fits between your fingers, then squeeze the bottom of the pot with your other hand to loosen the soil from the inner wall. While squeezing, rotate the pot until the roots and soil separate from the container. If using a pot with adequate drainage, everything should form a single "clump." Use your hands to separate the roots slightly to create space for growth. Place the seedlings in the hole, filling it with soil. Finally, water generously.
You may be interested in:The second method involves using a long, thin object (like a spatula or spoon) to pry up the seedling if it's in a tray with many other plants. Holding the seedling by a leaf, use the spatula as a lever to loosen and release the roots. Next, place the plant in a prepared pot filled with potting soil.
Fill the hole around the seedling with soil without compacting it. This will remove air pockets, which are crucial for delivering water and oxygen to the newly transplanted roots. A diluted starter fertilizer high in phosphorus will aid root development.
The downsides of picking
Damage from transplanting most often occurs due to root damage sustained during transplantation. If the roots or stems of a plant are damaged, it will lose nutrients and go into shock. Seedlings are in a critical growth period, so they require special attention.
The disadvantages of picking include:
- transplant stress as seedlings adjust to their new environment;
- leaf burn caused by reduction in the size of the root system;
- wilting of the tops, curling of leaves due to evaporation of moisture;
- Sometimes a newly transplanted seedling is attacked by pests and insects, which it finds difficult to fight due to the stress it is under.
Incorrect transplanting can lead to negative consequences, including the death of the seedling. By taking preventative measures, you can minimize the consequences of transplanting.
You may be interested in:Which plants' seedlings do not require picking?
Cucurbitaceae seeds are sown in individual containers and planted after three leaves appear. Also, plants with taproots (eggplants, peppers) should only be transplanted by transshipment at an early stage of development.
Different species and varieties respond differently to transplantation. The main goal is to prevent transplant shock—stress or damage sustained during the process. Plants grown in protected conditions usually require a period of acclimatization. The growth stage at which the transplant occurs, seasonal conditions, and treatment are important factors to consider.