8 Tips for Transplanting Seedlings and Plants Successfully

Beginning gardeners often have trouble transplanting seedlings and other plants. Their seedlings may die, or larger plants might shows signs of shock, looking as though they may die at any moment. But here are some easy ways to ensure your plants survive - and thrive - whether you're a novice or an intermediate gardener.

1. If transplanting a seedling, make sure the plant has it's true leaves. (Seedlings will at first have a set of very small leaves; after that, larger leaves appear, which are called "true leaves. See the photo, above, for an example.)

2. If transplanting a seedling, make sure it's been hardened off first. (Not sure how to do that? Download my free ebook, Starting Seeds, for a full explanation.)

3. Water the plant the day before transplanting. This ensures the plant is well hydrated.

4. Choose the cool of morning or an overcast day to transplant. Lots of sun or hot weather are just too harsh for a plant that's been transplanted.

5. Water the plant thoroughly before transplanting. It's important the soil already around the roots be good and wet.



6. Disturb the roots as little as possible - and make sure all the roots are covered with soil (not explosed to the air and sun).

7. Once the plant is in the hole, fill in soil around it - then be sure to pat the soil down firmly.

8. Water thoroughly after transplanting to encourage roots to spread.