Transplanting Your Seedlings
Ensure that conditions are optimal before transplanting seedlings in your outdoor garden.
Planting seedlings before they are ready can lead to several problems.
Immature seedlings often lack strong root systems and robust stems, making them vulnerable to outdoor stresses like wind, rain, and pests.
If exposed to frost or extreme temperatures too early, tender seedlings can experience shock, stunted growth, or even die.
Patience and proper preparation are crucial for a thriving garden
When to transplant seedlings
1
They have mature growth
True Leaves: Seedlings should have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves (the second set of leaves after the initial seed leaves, or cotyledons). True leaves indicate that the plant is growing well and has developed a functional root system.
Strong Stems: The stems should be sturdy, not thin or leggy. If your seedlings are floppy, they might not withstand outdoor conditions.
2
Outdoor Conditions Are Suitable
Last Frost Date: Ensure the last frost date for your area has passed, as many seedlings are sensitive to frost. Some hardy plants (like kale or broccoli) can be planted a few weeks before the last frost, but tender plants (like tomatoes and peppers) need warm nights.
Check your zone here to get information about ideal transplanting schedule: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Soil Temperature: Check the soil temperature. Most warm-season crops prefer soil temperatures above 60 degrees.
3
They’ve Been Hardened Off
Hardening off is the process of gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Steps for Hardening Off:
1. Place seedlings outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot for 1-2 hours on the first day.
2. Gradually increase exposure to sunlight, wind, and outdoor temperatures over 7-10 days.
3. By the end of the hardening-off period, seedlings should be able to handle full sun and variable weather conditions.