Make the Transformation from Seeds to Plants

By now, some of the seeds that were sown a few weeks ago should be ready for transplanting. This procedure can often intimidate gardeners as much as growing plants from seeds. Really, transplanting is quite easy if you remember a few simple guidelines.

 As with sowing seeds, cleanliness is important. Young seedlings are very tender and susceptible to diseases, especially fungal diseases. Using clean pots and new soil will help to eliminate any possible problems.

I never recommend re-using old soil from previously used containers. Also, never use garden soil unless it has been pasteurized first to kill the harmful organisms that it contains. It is easiest to purchase a potting mix especially made for seedlings from your local nursery.

 Your seedlings are generally ready for transplanting when they have their second set of “true” leaves. Most seeds after germination send up the cotyledons, or seed leaves. These were the storage structures that provided food for the developing embryo until it grew big enough to start making its own food through that great process know as photosynthesis.

Cotyledons also don’t resemble the true leaves of a plant. If you have started tomatoes, the first leaves to appear look nothing like the tomato leaf.

 Once you have determined your seedlings are ready, the next step is to remove them from the container they are growing in and place them into their own container. I simply turn the pot upside down and gently tap it on the potting bench as I hold the root mass with my free hand.

The soil in the pot should be moist, but not wet. If the soil is too dry, the root mass will not slide easily from the pot. Remember, seedlings are tender and can be damaged easily so be gentle.

Now that your seedlings are free from the container they were germinated in, you need to separate them. I either gently pry the soil apart or drop the root mass on the potting bench to loosen the soil. Sometimes, the seedlings can be difficult to separate. If so, try swishing the roots around in a small bucket of water. This often helps the roots to separate from its neighbors.

The next step is perhaps the most critical in transplanting. Avoid handling the seedling by the stem if at all possible. The little stems are very fragile and can be either snapped or crushed if pinched too hard.

The best way to handle a seedling is to use the cotyledons, or seed leaves. Since the work of the cotyledon is nearly finished, damaging it will have less impact on the seedling that damaging the stem or a true leaf.

Planting the seedling into its own pot is as easy as making a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently maneuvering the roots into the hole. Never jam or force the roots into the soil.

You can also hold the seedling over the pot and with your free hand slowly fill around the roots with soil. Firm the soil, but not too firm. The seedling should stand on its own, and not tip over.

Certain seedlings can be transplanted slightly deeper than they were growing. Tomatoes are one example. However, other seedlings do not like to be planted deeper and may even die. A general rule of thumb to follow is that if the seedling has a stem, it can be planted deeper. If it does not have a stem, as in lettuce, then transplant it to the same depth it was growing.

Water your new seedlings with warm water and place them in the shade for a few hours to acclimate to their new pot. One important factor is to never transplant a small seedling into a large pot.

A plant will perform better if the size of the pot is gradually increased as the plant grows. Too much soil and few roots can lead to soil that is too wet which can mean death to a small seedling.

Wait a week or so before fertilizing your new transplants. When you do fertilize, use a liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength. Keep your seedlings growing under grow lights or in a sunny window until it is time to plant them outside. However, before moving them directly into the garden it is best to harden them off a few days.

 As with the old saying, “Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow” I plant my seeds, await germination, then transplanting, and finally planting into the garden to see the fruits of my labors. Or at least pick a few fresh tomatoes or flowers to enjoy.