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Tips for transplanting seedlings

 

- Begin transplanting seedlings before the plant has grown to its second set of fully developed leaves;
 
- Make sure the new pots have drainage in the bottom;
 
- Plant your seedling before digging up another. Air-drying can adversely affect roots;
 
- Do not dip roots in water before transplanting. Dipping makes the roots cling together instead of entering the soil individually;
 
- Lift seedlings by the root ball, using a spoon or plant tag for support;
 
- Never hold the seedlings by the stem - this may cause bruising or crushing of the growing tip;
 
- If you need to steady the plant from above, hold the seedling by a leaf. If a leaf is lost, no problem. If the growing tip is lost, the plant will die;
 
- Set the seedlings slightly deeper than they were in their original cell.

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  • Seedlings in pot

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February 14, 2012

From seeds to seedlings

Janice Keenan MN River Valley Master Gardener

—  

Once you have planted your seeds, it is time to play the waiting game.     
 
Seeds all have various germination times depending on the individual plants. But many gardeners can't help but check their seedlings daily, even getting a little impatient for those little, green specks to peek through the soil.
 
(Germination tips on a wide range of species can be found on the University of Minnesota Extension website: www.extension.umn.edu or backyardgardener.com/trn.html.) 
 
The excitement really builds when you start seeing those little green seedlings poking through the potting soil. 
 
So what next? Well, here is where the fun -- plus a little bit of work -- begins. 
 
As soon as the plants have germinated, they must be given light by way of fluorescent tubes (or the sun, of course). You will want to check your plants regularly so they don't dry out since the seedlings will need more moisture as they grow and develop. To water your seedlings, fill a spray bottle with plain water to lightly mist the tender plants, or continue watering from the bottom -- just remember to drain any excess so the roots remain healthy. 
 
When the seedlings have outgrown the starter cells, it is time to transplant them into larger containers so they can continue to grow and become stronger. 
Once finished, continue checking your transplanted seedlings daily. 
 
Watch for signs of wilting. If your plants droop, even though you've watered them well when planting them, don't pour on more water. The roots are already doing all they can. Keep new transplants out of direct sunlight for a day. I have put mine back under fluorescent lights half a day after moving them, as long as they show no signs of wilting. Wilted plants should be kept shaded and cool until they perk up, which shouldn't take more than a day or two at most. 
 
Maintaining humidity is also important to plants. Misting plants will help by only temporarily. One way to increase humidity around potted seedlings is to drape a plastic tent over them, although it also cuts down on air circulation. 
 
If you notice fuzzy mold growing on the soil surface, your plants probably have more water and less air than they need. Run a small fan in that area, remove the plastic tent and hold off watering for a few days. 
 
Seedlings will also benefit from a weak, general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer mixed one-quarter strength. Fertilize only once a week. Water as needed the rest of the week with lukewarm or tepid water; cold water can shock them.
 
Information from this article was taken from the University of Minnesota Extension web site and "The New Seed-Starters Handbook" by Nancy Bubel.

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