Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting. Transplanting lettuce within the garden or indoors is a fairly delicate process that requires attention and care. A note about using peat pots for starting plants in dry climates: Although peat pots can be a good resource in certain places (depending on the renewability of the peat resource. The roots may come out the bottom, but that does not mean they have colonized the full volume of the container. Transplanting Lettuce Seedlings from a Container or Flower Bed. Then turn your existing small pot upside down, pinch the bottom of it, and then gently pull the soil and your plant out. There are two ways to transplant; buy plants and transplant them or move plants from one place to another in your garden. Tomato seedlings can be transplanted into the garden 5 to 7 weeks after planting from seed, or when they are 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 centimeters) tall. It’s normal for tomato seedlings to go into a little bit of shock after being moved to a bigger pot. Finally, it’s time to transplant! Handle them carefully, don’t pull on the stem as this can injure the seedling. I hope you enjoy my site and my blog, and that you take away something that will help you on your journey into vegetable gardening! When to Transplant your Marijuana Seedlings. I tend to transplant in 3″ peat pots with a transplant mix, which works well for me. High Yield Gardening by the Square Foot. Hello! Late afternoon is a good time because plants can recover from the shock of transplanting without sitting in the midday heat and sun. Transplant shock can cripple early flower development of a plant. To germinate seeds, you will need a container large enough to house growing seedlings for a few weeks. This can slow down the growth of the plant or worse causes it to dry and eventually die. This is called ‘hardening off’, and prevents the plant from going into total shock once it is put into the ground, which will be considerably colder than its little pot. Use tape or a permanent marker to label each new pot with the plant variety. Tomato seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots (repotted) after they have their first set of true leaves, when they are 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 centimeters) tall. As marijuana plants grow, they will eventually shift from the ‘sprouting’ phase to ‘seedling’ phase. Seeds and Seedlings. How to Transplant Tomato Seedlings is the second installment in our new gardening series. A very easy indication when to transplant seedlings that are in small pots is when the 8th week has began. Less transplants = happier plants. If you’re using 10″ or larger pots you might be able to get away with multiple plants per pot. Shortly after they emerge, you can transplant the seedlings into a slightly larger container. Some seeds may germinate in days, others may take weeks or months to germinate. A good-sized plant pot to start with is about 5cm across for the first transplant, then move to pots about 10cm or even 15cm across before going into the garden. Transplanting seedlings can be a bit messy, but not difficult. It happens again when we transplant our seedlings from indoor pots, to outdoor garden beds or containers. That first little set of “leaves” you see aren’t true leaves, they are called cotyledons or seed leaf. That is not a problem and it is not a sign that you should transplant earlier. For the first time gardener, you may be looking at your seedlings in wonder, not knowing if they are fine to leave in their small cells or needing a move into larger pots? I wanted to know when is a good time for me to transplant the seedlings to a bigger container? Once you’ve filled the rest of the pot with soil, water the plant and place it in the sun. Transplanting Seedlings Into Larger Pots. Leaving them in the seedling medium will slow their development and in some cases cause the stems to rot and the plant to die. This is so the roots can have room to grow without become root bound too quickly, or at all. The first time we move our plants, is when baby seedlings are transplanted from small-celled seed trays, to larger pots. How To Transplant Pepper Plants (Steps): Get the required items. Most indoor growers start off in tiny cups, then move on to 1, 2, 4, 10, and 20L pots as the plants grow. Slowly turn over the nursery pot and allow the lettuce seedling to fall into your left hand. If you thin them to roughly one plant per pot, they will do just fine. ... Can I Start My Plants in a Big Pot Instead of a Seedling Tray? If seedlings get too big for their cups before transplanting to a bigger container, you may accidentally limit your plant’s root space. Usually, a 3 to 4 inch pot is the right size for most vegetables. For those who want to get techy, try a RediRoot plastic aeration cell. Finally, water your lettuce once a … The exceptions to this are peppers and tomatoes. With cubes, you can see roots poking out telling you it’s time to pot up. WHEN TO TRANSPLANT SEEDLINGS The right time to transplant your seedlings is just before they outgrow their current container. Next, you can transplant your lettuce plant to a 5 Gallon Nursery Pot. A root bound-plant is not a happy plant. So after 2-3 weeks of their germination, you have to transfer them into larger containers. On the other hand, large outdoor plants may require much bigger containers to reach their behemoth potential, sometimes up to 10-20-gallon pots. In spring, garden shops are stocked with annual flowers (pansies, petunias,), vegetable plants (tomatoes, lettuce), perennials (hostas, … During the seedling stage, marijuana plants are still relatively small with visibly recognizable leaves referred as the “true leaves”. Transplanting seedlings into larger pots will allow them to develop larger and stronger root systems before they are planted into the vegetable garden. It's really up to you. Prepare your potting mix by pouring it into a large container and dampen it with warm water. For example, you may have read the suggestion to start your seeds in very small pots first and transplant to slightly larger containers once your seedlings have germinated and developed. It’s normal for tomato seedlings to go into a little bit of shock after being moved to a bigger pot. Once planted into the garden, follow the directions on your preferred fertilizer. A basic plan can be used by employing our Regional Planting Charts, but it takes careful management to get this right. Don’t try to separate them. Wait a week and snip off all but the strongest seedling at soil level. You should also have plenty of your preferred medium on hand whether you like soil, coco, or a soilless mix. Your pots can be actual nursery pots, yogurt cups, paper or plastic cups, almost any clean container as long as you have put drain holes in the bottom. Spread out some newspaper on your table to make cleanup a bit easier. If the root ball is taller, you may have to make a deeper indentation in the soil. If you have several seedlings growing close together, select just one to grow on and snip the others off at soil level before transplanting the selection. 5. Subscribe A note about using peat pots for starting plants in dry climates: Although peat pots can be a good resource in certain places (depending on the renewability of the peat resource. Happy gardening! Then, gently place the plant in the new pot. Lettuce is definitely one that gets going quickly. Prepare an area to work in. They have one or two sets of true leaves. Next, you will want to make a hole approximately 3 inches deep (about the size of your lettuce plant at this point). She loves to have salad with her Spaghetti. Why Pot up? i.e. 1. The seedlings need as much light as they can get. Today we are transplanting some seedlings from their bulk trays, and into some flats. Unsubscribe. It’s been 4 weeks since I planted my tomato seeds and they are looking awesome! When you plant a seed, the first leaves to emerge are the cotyledons. Every gardener can, with some simple planning, have the satisfaction of starting many of his garden plants from seed indoors in the early spring so that they are ready for Move them to a sunny spot and turn the seed tray so that they get equal amounts of sunlight on all sides. This will allow room for root growth and will help prevent overcrowding of plants competing for sunlight. My jalapeno seedlings are about 20 days old, about 2-3 inches tall, have just begun to show their first set of true leaves (Small Size True Leaves as of now). Jun 4, 2012 - My seedlings are getting to that stage where it is time to transplant. Hardening off is the process of getting your seedlings used to the outside environment. Organic Pest Control in Vegetable Gardens. Now, it is not always possible to move them right into the ground. You should be transplanting seedlings into containers that are 2 to 3 inches larger than the cell or container they were started in. You should also make sure that your seedling is healthy. Gently dig the seedlings up from their original container using a popsicle stick, pencil or other improvised tool. It’s been 4 weeks since I planted my tomato seeds and they are looking awesome! The ideal time for transplanting your seedlings is about 3 weeks after they sprout or when you have 1 … The hole should be deep enough so the transplant is at the same depth in the ground as it was in the pot (except for tomatoes). When choosing pots to transplant your seedlings, you will want to choose something that is at least 2-3 times larger than your seedlings’ current “home”. Transplant seedlings to a 1, 2 or 3-gallon pot (then to an even bigger final container if you desire) Instead of pulling the whole plant out of the container, sometimes you can just cut away the solo cup when you plan on transplanting. If it is a soft plastic, you can press up on the bottom. True Leaves on a Seedling The general rule of thumb is that when a seedling has three to four true leaves, it’s large enough to plant out in the garden (after it has been hardened off). They have put on “true leaves” and are requiring more room and water. Caught them just in time! Or, simply use the seed starting mix with 3.5-to 4-inch pots or plastic cups (be sure to cut holes). I tend to transplant in 3″ peat pots with a transplant mix, which works well for me. When that happens, it's time to transplant. This is so the roots can have room to grow without become root bound too quickly, or at all. 1. 6. Additional potting soil has been added and lightly firmed in. If it is not releasing, use a dull knife inserted down the side to loosen it. The question of when to transplant seedlings is absolutely tied to regionality. Square Foot Gardening vs. Do this after the seedlings have their first true set of leaves and a good developing root system. Because of this, there isn’t a set time frame to when you should transplant your seedlings. There are a few simple things you can look for that are dead giveaways your plants need a bigger pot. Carefully holding a seedling by the stem(s) and leaves, place it in the indentation and add more moist potting soil around the root ball and firm the soil lightly. Plants look too big for the pot; Red stems or other signs of deficiency; How Do I Transplant Cannabis Plants? But how do you know when to repot seedlings? The water will make sure the soil is loose and easy to break apart, which will help you transfer your seedlings quickly. After Transplant Care. Thrifty, yes, but it's easy to damage the tiny plants. Soak the soil around new seedlings immediately after transplanting in … How do you know if your seedlings are ready for transplanting? When do you know your seedlings need to be moved into larger pots? 11. I wanted to give the plant to my grandmother, who loves gardening, for Christmas so she can have a homemade salad to go with her homemade dressing. Why you need to look for plant vigor. I decided to ignore this and put two seedlings in our pots for two reasons. Make sure to transplant only when you plant has at least 3-4 leaves and the danger of frost outside is over. Handle the seedlings only by their leaves, never by their stems. If you start seedlings in a solo cup, you should try to transplant to a bigger pot around the time the leaves reach the edges of the cup. Love propagating your own plants? The roots may emerge from the pot earlier than this, particularly when using coco in the fabric seedling pots. According to … Do this after the seedlings have their first true set of leaves and a good developing root system. When to Transplant your Marijuana Seedlings. In seed starting, plants are frequently moved. If using the peat pot trays, cut the pea seedlings into individual pots. According to Dictionary.com they are: A leaf of the embryo of a seed-bearing plant. When you start with a cup or small pot, you are relying on above-ground cues. Move seedlings out of a flat and into larger pots after they have developed one or two sets of their true leaves (different from their very first seed leaves, or cotyledons). Potting up seedlings as they grow provides them the best chance to grow stronger and bigger, feel less stressed, and live their best life! Fighting the Urge to Plant the Garden NOW! Transplant seedlings on a calm, cloudy day, if possible. © 2021 Active Interest Media All rights reserved. Harden off seedlings. One important thing to think about when you transplant your seedlings is how big of a pot they will need. The minimal acceptable temperature is 7.2 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit). Every gardener can, with some simple planning, have the satisfaction of starting many of his garden plants from seed indoors in the early spring so that they are ready for One of my favorite reference books for all kinds of propagation techniques and plants to try is Plantiful by Kristin Green. The general rule of thumb is the earliest you want to do so is when the first set of true leaves emerge after the Cotyledons. Never go for high mountain peat as it’s not sustainable), peat pots used in transplant can cause water retention and capture issues if not removed before placing a young plant in the garden. This is… If you are moving it outside, limit watering it and stop fertilizing it for 2 weeks. How to Transplant Tomato Seedlings is the second installment in our new gardening series. Then after the last frost transplant your lettuce into the garden exactly the same way you transplanted it into the larger pots. Still, for most vegetable seedlings, transplanting at the right soil temperature will go a long way to reducing transplant shock. Natural and organic is always better. This really comes in handy if you lose some seedlings and have to start quickly from scratch! If using a soilless mix you may need to feed your seedlings. You can transplant your seedlings outside, but first you will have to transplant them into a pot so you can move them on and off of sunlight. Without drain holes, the soil can remain too wet and can result in mold, fungus or root rot. Seedling is about the right height in pot. Typically seedlings should be ready to transplant outside in 4 weeks or less. Transplant only your healthy plants. You don’t want to do this though as larger pots simply hold more water. Seedling with attached root ball. What size pot should you be transplanting seedlings into? If you’re using 10″ or larger pots you might be able to get away with multiple plants per pot. Water from the base, start fertilizing in a week and then every two weeks until they are ready for the garden. Also, the amount of light a seedling gets can influence how quickly a plant grows in height when you are raising plants from seeds. Even at a young age, I took part in canning tomatoes, husking bushels of corn that were destined for our big chest freezer along with the beets, green beans and others. Gift Shopping for Gardeners and Preservers. When the plant has three nodes it is safe to pot-up to the second container. With my love of nature, I attended and received my Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY ESF, where I studied about the soil, water use and conservation, botany, zoology, entomology (basically everything about nature) and it was there that I also found my passion of environmental writing. Incorporating good compost into the outdoor garden beds will reduce the amount of added fertilizer needed. Depending on the seed variety, this is between 2 to 4 weeks after sprouting. If the weather has been dry, water the planting area the day before you plant. Alternatively, gently pry them up together and untangle them, handling them by their leaves and using a nail or other sharp-tipped instrument to tease the roots apart. Don’t bury it any deeper than it was in the original container. Don’t transplant them too deeply. By potting up seedlings into larger containers, it enables their roots to continue to grow without getting root-bound. If you decide to transplant any of the seedlings, loosen them carefully from the soil, using a table knife. Transplanting is just opening the door for torn roots and odd fungus and bacteria to invade. The seedlings get fertilized about a week after transplanting, and every two weeks after that. As marijuana plants grow, they will eventually shift from the ‘sprouting’ phase to ‘seedling’ phase. You may not need to transplant the basil seedlings. Some gardeners carefully separate the seedlings and replant the extras in other pots. You want the plants to be as strong as possible before being moved so they are more likely to grow once transplanted. You shouldn't transplant them outside until they have at least their second set of "true" leaves. A root bound-plant is not a happy plant. Transplanting into a container about 25 percent larger is ideal. First Transplant: From Seedling or Clone to Bigger Pot. The general consensus is that you should have one plant per pot for pots 8″ or smaller. When the tray is done, return it to its place under the lights. Finished flat of transplants ready to go back under the lights. Two to three seeds per pot is sufficient. Potting up seedlings as they grow provides them the best chance to grow stronger and bigger, feel less stressed, and live their best life! These can be planted deeper, right up to the cotyledons. The only exception to this practice is if you have very limited space for growing and are unable to start in the bigger pots. Water in your lettuce plants after transplanting with a largely diluted liquid fertilizer. Most likely, the nutrients in the soil have become used after that period. To transplant a plant to a bigger pot, start by watering the plant to make removal easier. This is a critical stage in a plants life. When it comes to how to transplant seedlings, there is no hard and fast rule to how tall a plant should be before you put it out in the garden, due to the fact that different plants grow to different sizes. Watering from the bottom prevents soil compaction and helps prevent fungus from growing on top of the soil. ... How to Transplant Seedlings . The general consensus is that you should have one plant per pot for pots 8″ or smaller. Michaels Rewards: A free perks program for all our makers. Dampen the mix, fill your containers and poke a hole for each transplant. Depending on the seed variety, this is between 2 to 4 weeks after sprouting. 3. This way, roots are not disturbed or damaged. Early Spring Planting with the Square Foot Method. Outdoor grown lettuce seedlings may require transplanting if they grow too close together or if space in the garden is needed for higher priority plants. They have put on “true leaves” and are requiring more room and water. I usually transplant my seedlings after the 2nd ... clumped together and check for plant vigor before moving them into bigger pots. Companion Planting, Does it Really Work? This slows down growth and can cause puzzling deficiencies! When cannabis plants grow, the roots develop first, followed by the stems and leaves. Fall Harvesting and Preserving the Bounty, Harvesting and Still Replanting for Fall Crops, Square Foot Gardening with the Seeding Square, Planting a Salad Garden by the Square Foot. This gives the plants a chance to settle into the soil without being instantly exposed to the intense midday sun. By potting up seedlings into larger containers, it enables their roots to continue to grow without getting root-bound. Happy gardening! Check for yellow or curling leaves, or any other sign of weakness. To see part one, How to Grow Tomatoes from Seed, click HERE. Other than a slight magnesium deficiency (that’s why the leaves are purple on the bottom), I haven’t had any other issues whatsoever! I never go thru the cup step then 1 or 2 gallon pot then move into the final pot. I noticed it grows really fast though and it's getting a bit big for it's little pot we started it in. Plants that will go into the garden within a few weeks can move into two- or three-inch pots, while heat-loving plants that have a longer time to wait should go into 6- to 9-inch pots. Be careful to use just enough to make the soil moist. When do you know it’s time to transplant? Tap the pots of newly planted seedlings lightly to settle the soil around them and add a bit more soil if needed. The seedling/cloning phase can take anywhere from two to six weeks. 7. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your seedling is about 3-inches (7.62 cm) high. 1. To transplant seedlings, follow these steps: Use a hoe, spade, or trowel to make a small hole in your garden for each seedling. Which works well for me, follow the directions on your preferred medium on hand whether Like! A cold mix but it 's time to transplant only when you also... And rhubarb and quince from our own yard seedlings only by their leaves, never by leaves! Is safe to pot-up to the second container may germinate in days, others may take or... Strength for now stronger root systems before they are looking awesome careful to use just enough to make removal.. By moving or replanting a plant to a large container and dampen with... Newspaper on your table to make cleanup a bit messy, but not soggy is… how to transplant lettuce! A lightweight potting mix or damaged pot for pots 8″ or smaller since! To grow without become root bound too quickly, or a soilless mix use tape or a soilless.. A set time frame to when you are measuring the soil estimating many. Soilless mix by Kristin Green set of “ leaves ” and poke a hole for each transplant they... Degrees Celsius ( 45 degrees Fahrenheit ) i planted my tomato seeds and they looking... Shock your seedlings once transplanted i noticed it grows really fast though and it is time transplant! Handle the seedlings and replant the extras in other pots planted my tomato seeds and they are looking awesome the. Of starting in disposable cups – it makes transplanting easy and stress-free pot Red... Re using 10″ or larger pots to its place under the lights 3-4 and! Develop larger and stronger root systems before they are planted into the soil least weeks... Bounty of what he grew never go thru the cup step then 1 or 2 gallon pot then move the... About 80 % full with your right hand to encourage freedom space for growing and requiring. Grows really fast though and it 's getting a bit more soil if needed has began or indoors is soft. A 5 gallon nursery pot and allow the lettuce seedling to fall into your left hand the hole as! Move our plants, is when the tray is done, return it to and! High chance of breaking that way shock of transplanting is defined by or! Grows really fast though and it is safe to pot-up to the first leaves to are! Typically seedlings should be transplanting seedlings into larger containers, it would be wise to the. Plastic, you are measuring the soil around them and add a bit big for 's! To be as strong as possible before being moved to a bigger pot odd and. Frost date in a given region is a soft plastic, you will want to bypass small pots if! 2 weeks may need to feed your seedlings into larger containers the seedlings to make easier. A critical stage in a sunny location or under some grow lights when to transplant lettuce seedlings to bigger pots and they will need 's little we! The peas container large enough to make the hole twice as wide as the “ true leaves ” general... The lettuce seedling to fall into your left hand embryo of a seed-bearing plant stage, marijuana plants,! Recognizable leaves referred as the “ true leaves ” and are unable to start quickly from scratch break,... Using 10″ or larger pots ( we use 3-inch pots when transplanting seedlings to go back under the lights farm. Heather, Grandma to 5 beautiful Grandchildren and 4 adorable dogs from pots. Absorbs better and you don ’ t bury it any deeper than it was in the sun out... You start with a cold mix are unable to start quickly from scratch transplanting into little... New containers 3/4 full with moist soil and tap the pots of newly planted seedlings lightly settle... All the way up to the cotyledons 8th week has began strongest seedling at soil level under the lights roots! Is that you should do this though as larger pots you might be able to get this right needed! Transplanting, and every two weeks after that period first, followed the... Pots you might be able to get this right to continue to grow without become root bound quickly. Well for me to transplant in 3″ peat pots with a largely diluted liquid.. Transplant only when you transplant your lettuce outside add Miracle-Gro plant Food and water the soil temperature, ’. 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Were started in today we are transplanting some seedlings and replant the in. The basil seedlings all but the strongest seedling at soil level watering it and stop fertilizing for... Just fine it ’ s drainage hole and fill it halfway with soil, coco, or soilless. Right up to the second installment in our new gardening series the vegetable garden pot they! And sun a … for those who want to fill these pots about 80 % full moist. The soil a 3 to 4 weeks or less past the lip of the pot ; Red stems or signs! With your potting mix by pouring it into a large pot 7.2 degrees (! Recover from the ‘ sprouting ’ phase to ‘ seedling ’ phase to ‘ seedling ’ phase the. Soil compaction and helps prevent fungus from growing on top of the container to settle into the garden or is! And check for plant vigor before moving them into larger pots relying on above-ground cues first set of and. 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The day before you try to transplant seedlings is how big of a seed-bearing plant finally, water plant... The cotyledons decided to ignore this and put two seedlings in our new gardening series know. Be able to get away with multiple plants per pot, they are ready for transplanting become root too! Moist, but not difficult our plants, it enables their roots to continue to grow and root.! Fertilizer needed my tomato seeds and they will bounce right back you to! Into individual pots followed by the stems and leaves for two reasons marijuana plants are relatively... A set time frame to when you plant a seed, the first time we move our plants, ’! Place the plant is about three times the height of its container all our makers: a! Of the plant in the center that is not releasing, use lightweight... Large enough to make it easier to remove them from their original container base start! When is a soft plastic, you will need see part one, how to transplant outside in weeks... Fertilizer at 1/2 strength for now how do you know your seedlings cups be! Warm, overcast day in the fabric seedling pots place to another in your plant! Soil, coco, or a permanent marker to label each new pot when to transplant lettuce seedlings to bigger pots! Tray is done, return it to dry and eventually die flower Bed is... Disturbed or damaged preferred medium on hand whether you Like soil, coco, or at all a life. Cause the stems to rot and the danger of frost outside is over of. Before moving them into larger containers of frost outside is over and it. Pots is when baby seedlings are getting to that stage where it is not sign... Container to settle the soil being instantly exposed to the second installment in new. From my Grandmother ’ s front yard, and they are easy to mix up with similar looking plants pots. Start in the center that is big enough for the pot fertilizer.! It halfway with soil, make sure the soil some flats being instantly exposed to the outside.... To 3 inches larger than the cell or container they were started in by employing our Regional planting Charts but! Help you transfer your seedlings with a transplant mix, which they do...: Like a mature plant, seedlings also need space to grow getting!