Transplanting Out

Average time to read: 1.2 minutes

Transplanting out refers to taking potted seedlings from an indoor environment and transplanting them into an outdoor environment. This process can be a difficult adjustment for seedlings and you may lose a few to shock. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to ensure the process goes as well as possible. 

Echinacea seedlings ready to be transplanted

Firstly, be careful not to transplant seedlings that are too young. They should have their first set of true leaves but preferably two sets (four true leaves in total) before they are transplanted out. However, seedlings can be allowed to mature well beyond this stage before being moved outside. In fact, many gardeners purposely pot up seedlings several times, giving the plants time to develop so they are able to produce more fruit when they are eventually transplanted out.

When the time comes, dig a hole just slightly larger than the pot your seedling is in.

Water the hole before transferring the seedling to its new home.

It’s important to mention that the roots of plants are fragile and should always be handled with great care. However, the roots of young seedlings are even more delicate. Ease the root ball out of the pot carefully, without tugging on the stem. Try not to break apart the root ball. Place it carefully into the watered hole you’ve just dug. 

Press firmly around the base of the newly transplanted seedling to make sure its roots have made good contact with the soil. You don’t want any root damage caused by above-ground movement from the wind or passing animals.

Echinacea seedlings successfully transplanted out.

And finally, always give seedlings to be transplanted out a chance to get used to the conditions outside where they are to be planted first. This process is known as hardening off.

***

Links to all our favourite products can be found here.