Transplanting

It’s planting time! Whether you’ve started the seedlings yourself, or visited one of the local greenhouses, the time has come to start transplanting those little seedlings into the garden where they will come to fulfill your garden dreams.

If you are looking at purchasing seedlings, take a deep look before you pull out your wallet. A healthy seedling should be sturdy, thick stemmed, stocky and insect-free. The plant should have at least three developed pairs of true leaves and be well rooted and not pot bound. Take a look at the bottom of the pot to see if there are roots growing out the bottom, if so consider supporting the plant and carefully turning the plant upside down to see whether the roots are completely overgrown for the size of pot the plant is in. Remember that what you are really buying is the roots; a damaged leaf or dying flower is not necessarily a sign that the plant is a bad choice. By purchasing a pot bound seedling you are buying a stressed plant that will have limited success in the garden. We are lucky to have local greenhouses around Fernie that sell quality organic and locally grown seedlings, choose to support these local growers that offer a selection well cared for plants.

Most seedlings, whether grown at home or in the greenhouse, have lived a life of leisure. Never experiencing the elements in their fullest, transplanting can be one of the most stressful times in their little plant lives. To limit this stress and increase the chances of their survival, consider the art of hardening off. The process of preparing your seedlings by gradually acclimatizing them to wind, heat, cool nights, and real rain is essential in ensuring your seedlings’ success.

Plan to start hardening off about a week before you aim to plant out your seedlings. Set them outdoors -- trays and all -- in a protected area, out of the direct wind and sun. Leave them out for an hour or so (set a timer if you're forgetful), then bring them back indoors. Repeat the process, increasing it to 3 hours, then a morning, then a whole day, until they are used to a full day and a night. If it’s calling for frost, heavy rain or windy conditions, keep them indoors.

Create a healthy future for your seedling by creating a healthy soil environment for them to grow in. Healthy soil creates healthy plants so feed the soil with compost, well aged manure or other organic amendments before you transplant. Once your plants are toughened up and ready to go in the garden, wait for a cloudy, foggy-cool or drizzly day for transplanting. If no clouds are in the forecast, then aim for the coolness of the evening. Ensure the seedlings, and area you will be transplanting into are well watered in advance, as you want them to be easy to handle (moist not soggy).

Dig a hole slightly wider than and the same depth as the container. Carefully turn the plant pot upside down, letting the plant stem pass between your second and third fingers, and tap or squeeze the pot gently to dislodge stubborn roots, being careful to not tear them. Always keep as much soil around the roots as possible. Gently place it into the hole, and bury the seedling so it is at the same level in the soil as it was in its pot. For cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes, you can bury them a little deeper (up to their first set of true leaves). Use your hands to gently firm the soil around the transplant, as the roots need firm contact with the soil to properly absorb water and nutrients. Water around your seedling to help settle the soil around the roots, eliminate excess air spaces, and provide an adequate amount for growth.

If you just had to transplant during the heat of the day, some temporary shading may be needed while the seedling settles into its new habitat. Consider shading the plant with a larger plant pot, upturned milk carton (with the bottom cut out and cap removed) or using shade cloth for the first couple of days. Keep a close eye on new transplants, ensuring their soil stays nice and moist for the first two weeks so their roots will have a good opportunity to get established. Make this easy by installing soaker hoses or drip irrigation before you plant. Also consider setting up stakes or trellises (for climbing or heavy headed flowers) because the little seedlings will grow quickly and it is easier to set up support systems before the plants get big and bulky.

The Community EcoGarden was inspired by permaculture principles, created by and for the community, and enables members to grow and harvest plants in their own individual plots. Located in Prentice Park, behind the Tom Uphill Home, this common green space features a native plants demonstration garden and a hummingbird-butterfly garden.

The EcoGarden hosts volunteer ‘work’ parties on Wednesdays, and a variety of workshops. For more information, visit www.ecogarden.ca. May all your transplants be stress free, moist and well fed.