February 28, 2024 • 14 mins
Have you ever watched your beloved seedlings wilt and wondered where you went wrong? Worry no longer! Our latest episode is a treasure trove of gardening wisdom, ensuring your young plants not only make it to the garden but flourish beyond your expectations. We dig into the telltale signs that your seedlings are primed for relocation and share the secret of using an overcast day to your advantage, safeguarding your green infants from the harsh realities of direct sunlight.
Join me as we gently unearth the art of transplanting with tender care, from the initial thorough watering to the protective measures against transplant shock. We'll explore the creation of an ideal bed, rich with moist soil and organic matter, to cradle your plants in comfort. Plus, you'll learn the finesse needed to separate entwined seedlings without stressing them out, and the urgency of getting them into the ground posthaste. This episode is your guide to transforming your garden into a vibrant sanctuary where plants don't just grow—they thrive.
'How I Grow' is produced by The Seed Collection Pty Ltd.
Find out more about us here: www.theseedcollection.com.au
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're listening to how I Grow with the seed
collection, and today we'regoing to be talking about
planting out your seedlings.
This episode will guide youthrough the process and portions
of transplanting your newseedlings.
It's an exciting day you havehealthy, strong seedlings with
at least three true leaves, thesky is nice and overcast and it
(00:22):
won't be too hot for a couple ofdays.
All these signs point to onething it's time to plant out
your seedlings.
So let's go through a couple ofthings you can do to be sure
that your seedlings get the bestpossible start in their new
home.
First, let's confirm thatthey're ready.
When your seedlings begin toemerge from the soil, the first
(00:47):
leaves to appear are calledcotta-ledons, and they look
quite different from the leavesthat will appear later on.
The job of these simple leavesis to provide stored food to the
seedling as it grows.
The leaves that appear next arecalled true leaves, and it's
these that you will need to waitand see at least three or four
(01:08):
of before planting out yourseedlings.
Once we've confirmed that theyhave their true leaves, we can
prepare them for transplantingFor a couple of days.
Before you plant them out, it'sa good idea to water them
thoroughly by giving them adrink at least twice a day.
Doing this strengthens theseedling and loosens up the soil
(01:28):
, which will make it easier toseparate the roots later.
If you are planting outseedlings that you've started
inside at the end of winter,it's best to give them a few
days outside near their finalposition.
This will harden them up andget them used to direct sunlight
.
Start with just a couple ofhours a day and work up to a
full day in the sun, so as notto shock them with sudden
(01:50):
outdoor conditions like wind anddirect sun.
It's a good idea to plant yourseedlings out in the afternoon
of an overcast day that is goingto be followed by one or two
further overcast days.
Too much sun on their first daycan quickly kill off even the
strongest of seedlings, sokeeping an eye on the weather
(02:12):
will give them a huge advantage,and it will save you some
seedling death heartache.
If you don't get any idealplanting days and the weather is
too hot and sunny, just providesome shade for your seedlings
until the sun goes down, atleast for their first couple of
days.
You'll also need to preparetheir new home, dig a hole that
(02:34):
is almost twice the size of theroot ball and water the bottom
of the hole so that it's niceand moist.
At this point, you can also adda small amount of organic
matter like manure or compost tomake the soil nice and rich.
Doing this will energize thesoil's food web so that your
seedling is met withroot-friendly fungi, nutrients
(02:54):
and good bacteria All the thingsa plant needs to grow big and
strong.
Now you're ready to plant themout, but remember seedlings are
delicate creatures and requiregentle hands when it comes to
planting out.
To remove your seedlings fromtheir original pots, place your
fingers around the stem of theplant and turn the pot upside
(03:16):
down.
Pinch the bottom of the pot ifpossible, or tap it gently to
encourage the plant to fall outinto your hand.
If the plant weren't budge, itmay have been left in the pot a
little too long and becomepot-bound.
If this is the case, don't fret.
Just get a long, dull bread andbutter knife and run it around
the inside of the pot.
(03:37):
This will dislodge any rootsthat may have become attached,
and then you can repeat thefirst step.
If you have a number ofseedlings in the one pot and
their roots are tangled together, I've found that it's best to
use the same technique, butfollow this by putting them into
a tray of water.
Something as simple as deepbaking tray can work really well
(03:59):
for this.
Simply lay the seedlings outinto a tray of water and use the
buoyancy of the water to takethe weight off the root ball.
Then you can gently prize theseedling roots apart without
tearing them.
It's important not to lose alot of the soil that is around
these roots, as it contains manyof the good bacteria that
(04:19):
plants need to make a safetransition into the garden.
Seedlings don't like being outof the ground for more than 10
to 15 minutes, so keep the rootball wet at all times and get
your babies into the ground asquickly as possible.
If you were planting out a rowof seedlings, it's a good idea
to measure out the spacing first.
(04:40):
You don't have to be millimeterperfect.
You can just use a piece ofstring tied onto two sticks and
then push them into the groundto mark the row you want to
plant.
This way, you'll end up with anice straight row of plants.
Now you can gently place yourseedlings into the prepared hole
and cover it back in with thesoil that you took out.
(05:00):
Pack the soil firmly over theroot ball and water it in with
some liquid seaweed or similarsoil conditioner.
Then you can cover the entirearea with a thick layer of mulch
.
This locks in moisture andkeeps the soil cool during hot
days.
Now you'll just need to givethem some time.
Some seedlings don't like beingplanted out and can look almost
(05:23):
dead the next morning.
Don't panic just yet, though.
Water the plants thoroughly themorning after planting and
again that evening, if theystill haven't bounced back the
following morning.
Water them morning and nightagain until they start to look
like they are going to be okay.
Trim off any leaves that havedied, so the plant doesn't waste
valuable energy trying to keepthem alive.
(05:44):
Now let's move into somecommonly asked questions.
What happens if I accidentallybreak the roots while
transplanting?
Accidentally breaking the rootsof a seedling while
transplanting can have varyingconsequences depending on the
severity of the damage and theresilience of the plant species.
(06:06):
If the damage is minor and onlya few small roots are broken,
the seedling will likely recoverwithout significant issue.
The plant may experience abrief period of shock, but
should continue to grow andestablish new roots.
If a substantial portion of theroots are broken, the plant may
experience more severe stress.
(06:28):
In such cases, the seedling maywilt temporarily and its growth
may be stunted as it redirectsenergy to repair and regenerate
the root system.
However, many plants have theability to recover from moderate
root damage with proper careand attention.
If the damage is severe and themajority of the roots are
(06:48):
broken, or if a tap root isdamaged, the seedling's chances
of survival are significantlyreduced.
Severe root damage can lead towilting, yellowing or browning
of the leaves and the eventualdeath of the plant.
To mitigate the impact of rootdamage and improve the chances
of recovery, you can take thefollowing steps Ensure the
(07:11):
seedling is well watered beforeand after transplanting to help
reduce the stress.
Provide appropriateenvironmental conditions, such
as adequate sunlight, moistureand temperature, to support
recovery.
Consider using root promotingadditives or fertilizers to
encourage root growth.
Be careful not to overfertilize, though.
(07:33):
Follow the instructions closely.
Monitor the seedling closelyfor signs of stress and adjust
your care practices as needed.
But overall, while accidentalroot damage during transplanting
can be concerning, manyseedlings are resilient and can
recover with proper care andattention.
(07:56):
What is transplant shock?
Transplant shock refers to thestress and physiological changes
that a plant experiences whenit's moved from one location to
another, particularly when it'stransplanted from a container to
the ground.
The roots do not need to bedamaged for the plant to
experience this.
Transplant shock can manifestin various ways, including
(08:19):
wilting, yellowing or browningof leaves, slowed growth and
even stunted growth.
It occurs because the plant'sroot system has been disrupted,
reducing its ability to take upwater and nutrients from the
soil.
Transplant shock is a naturalresponse that many plants
experience when they are moved,but it can be minimised by
(08:40):
taking certain precautions.
Properly preparing the plantbefore transplanting, such as
watering it thoroughly andtrimming any damaged roots, can
help reduce the shock.
Providing appropriate care andenvironmental conditions, such
as adequate water, protectionfrom extreme temperatures and
gradual acclimatisation to itsnew location, will also help the
(09:02):
plant recover more quickly fromshock.
With proper care and attention,most plants can overcome
transplant shock and continue togrow and thrive in their new
location.
How long will it take for myseedlings to become established
after planting them out?
The time it takes for seedlingsto become established can vary
(09:24):
depending on factors such asplant species, environmental
conditions and the care provided.
In general, most seedlings willbegin to establish their root
systems within a few days to acouple of weeks after
transplanting.
During this establishmentperiod, it's crucial to provide
consistent care, includingadequate watering, protection
(09:45):
from harsh weather andappropriate fertilisation if
needed.
Monitor the seedlings closelyfor signs of stress or growth
and adjust the care practicesaccordingly.
While some seedlings mayestablish quickly and show
visible signs of growth within afew weeks, others may take
longer, especially if theyexperienced transplant shock or
(10:08):
environmental conditions areless than ideal.
As the seedlings grow anddevelop, they will gradually
become more resilient and betteradapted to their new
surroundings.
Once they have developed ahealthy root system and are
actively growing, they can beconsidered fully established.
This process typically takesseveral weeks to a couple of
months, depending on thespecific circumstances.
(10:33):
What additional protection can Ioffer my seedlings?
There are many options when itcomes to providing your
seedlings some additionalprotection.
One that offers protectionagainst multiple elements is the
use of the garden closh.
A garden closh, often simplyreferred to as a closh, is a
protective covering used toshield plants from adverse
(10:55):
weather conditions and pests,particularly in the early stages
of their growth.
A garden closh typicallyconsists of a transparent or
translucent cover that is placedover individual plants or rows
of plants.
The cover creates amicroclimate around these plants
, trapping heat and moisture,while allowing sunlight to still
penetrate.
(11:16):
This helps to promote growthand protect the plants from cold
temperatures, wind, frost andpests.
Closhes are available topurchase from most gardening
stores or you can make your own.
Some gardeners often createtheir own using materials like
plastic bottles with each endcut off, or milk jokes, or even
(11:37):
PVC pipes covered with someplastic sheeting.
Do-it-yourself closhes arecustomisable and can be adapted
to suit the specific needs andsize of the plants, as well as
your garden environment.
They can also contribute toreducing landfill if you have
these items laying around thatwould otherwise go to waste.
(11:59):
Can I move a seedling again onceit has become an established
plant?
Moving an established plant,including one that started as a
seedling and has grown into amature plant, can be done, but
it should be approached withcaution and care.
You need to ensure that you areminimising stress and
maximising the chances ofsuccessful transplantation.
(12:21):
The best time to move anestablished plant is during its
dormant season or periods oflower stress.
This timing allows the plant torecover more easily from the
transplant shock.
As well as all previouslymentioned transplant
preparations, there are someadditional things to consider
with established plants,depending on the size and type
(12:43):
of the plant.
You may need to stake it orprovide some support to help it
remain upright and stable.
This will assist it while itre-establishes its root system
in the new location.
It may take some time for theplant to adjust to its new
surroundings and begin growingagain.
Be patient and continue toprovide care and attention as
(13:03):
needed until the plant becomesestablished.
While moving an establishedplant can be done, it's
important to consider theplant's health and the potential
impact on its growth anddevelopment.
With proper preparation andcare, many plants can
successfully adapt to a newlocation and still continue to
thrive.
However, some species, likethose with tap roots, may be
(13:27):
more sensitive to transplantingthan others.
It's really essential toresearch the specific needs of
the plant you're moving and takethe appropriate precautions.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden relatedtopic, please connect with us
and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
(13:47):
Facebook, the seed collectioncommunity.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the seed
collection in Melbourne,australia.
It's our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways in which we're doing
that.
If you don't already know whowe are.
Jump online and visitwwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
(14:12):
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
as a huge range of seeds, gardensupplies and accessories.
That address again iswwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening.
You're listening to how I Grow with the seed
collection, and today we'regoing to be talking about
planting out your seedlings.
This episode will guide youthrough the process and portions
of transplanting your newseedlings.
It's an exciting day you havehealthy, strong seedlings with
at least three true leaves, thesky is nice and overcast and it
(00:22):
won't be too hot for a couple ofdays.
All these signs point to onething it's time to plant out
your seedlings.
So let's go through a couple ofthings you can do to be sure
that your seedlings get the bestpossible start in their new
home.
First, let's confirm thatthey're ready.
When your seedlings begin toemerge from the soil, the first
(00:47):
leaves to appear are calledcotta-ledons, and they look
quite different from the leavesthat will appear later on.
The job of these simple leavesis to provide stored food to the
seedling as it grows.
The leaves that appear next arecalled true leaves, and it's
these that you will need to waitand see at least three or four
(01:08):
of before planting out yourseedlings.
Once we've confirmed that theyhave their true leaves, we can
prepare them for transplantingFor a couple of days.
Before you plant them out, it'sa good idea to water them
thoroughly by giving them adrink at least twice a day.
Doing this strengthens theseedling and loosens up the soil
(01:28):
, which will make it easier toseparate the roots later.
If you are planting outseedlings that you've started
inside at the end of winter,it's best to give them a few
days outside near their finalposition.
This will harden them up andget them used to direct sunlight
.
Start with just a couple ofhours a day and work up to a
full day in the sun, so as notto shock them with sudden
(01:50):
outdoor conditions like wind anddirect sun.
It's a good idea to plant yourseedlings out in the afternoon
of an overcast day that is goingto be followed by one or two
further overcast days.
Too much sun on their first daycan quickly kill off even the
strongest of seedlings, sokeeping an eye on the weather
(02:12):
will give them a huge advantage,and it will save you some
seedling death heartache.
If you don't get any idealplanting days and the weather is
too hot and sunny, just providesome shade for your seedlings
until the sun goes down, atleast for their first couple of
days.
You'll also need to preparetheir new home, dig a hole that
(02:34):
is almost twice the size of theroot ball and water the bottom
of the hole so that it's niceand moist.
At this point, you can also adda small amount of organic
matter like manure or compost tomake the soil nice and rich.
Doing this will energize thesoil's food web so that your
seedling is met withroot-friendly fungi, nutrients
(02:54):
and good bacteria All the thingsa plant needs to grow big and
strong.
Now you're ready to plant themout, but remember seedlings are
delicate creatures and requiregentle hands when it comes to
planting out.
To remove your seedlings fromtheir original pots, place your
fingers around the stem of theplant and turn the pot upside
(03:16):
down.
Pinch the bottom of the pot ifpossible, or tap it gently to
encourage the plant to fall outinto your hand.
If the plant weren't budge, itmay have been left in the pot a
little too long and becomepot-bound.
If this is the case, don't fret.
Just get a long, dull bread andbutter knife and run it around
the inside of the pot.
(03:37):
This will dislodge any rootsthat may have become attached,
and then you can repeat thefirst step.
If you have a number ofseedlings in the one pot and
their roots are tangled together, I've found that it's best to
use the same technique, butfollow this by putting them into
a tray of water.
Something as simple as deepbaking tray can work really well
(03:59):
for this.
Simply lay the seedlings outinto a tray of water and use the
buoyancy of the water to takethe weight off the root ball.
Then you can gently prize theseedling roots apart without
tearing them.
It's important not to lose alot of the soil that is around
these roots, as it contains manyof the good bacteria that
(04:19):
plants need to make a safetransition into the garden.
Seedlings don't like being outof the ground for more than 10
to 15 minutes, so keep the rootball wet at all times and get
your babies into the ground asquickly as possible.
If you were planting out a rowof seedlings, it's a good idea
to measure out the spacing first.
(04:40):
You don't have to be millimeterperfect.
You can just use a piece ofstring tied onto two sticks and
then push them into the groundto mark the row you want to
plant.
This way, you'll end up with anice straight row of plants.
Now you can gently place yourseedlings into the prepared hole
and cover it back in with thesoil that you took out.
(05:00):
Pack the soil firmly over theroot ball and water it in with
some liquid seaweed or similarsoil conditioner.
Then you can cover the entirearea with a thick layer of mulch
.
This locks in moisture andkeeps the soil cool during hot
days.
Now you'll just need to givethem some time.
Some seedlings don't like beingplanted out and can look almost
(05:23):
dead the next morning.
Don't panic just yet, though.
Water the plants thoroughly themorning after planting and
again that evening, if theystill haven't bounced back the
following morning.
Water them morning and nightagain until they start to look
like they are going to be okay.
Trim off any leaves that havedied, so the plant doesn't waste
valuable energy trying to keepthem alive.
(05:44):
Now let's move into somecommonly asked questions.
What happens if I accidentallybreak the roots while
transplanting?
Accidentally breaking the rootsof a seedling while
transplanting can have varyingconsequences depending on the
severity of the damage and theresilience of the plant species.
(06:06):
If the damage is minor and onlya few small roots are broken,
the seedling will likely recoverwithout significant issue.
The plant may experience abrief period of shock, but
should continue to grow andestablish new roots.
If a substantial portion of theroots are broken, the plant may
experience more severe stress.
(06:28):
In such cases, the seedling maywilt temporarily and its growth
may be stunted as it redirectsenergy to repair and regenerate
the root system.
However, many plants have theability to recover from moderate
root damage with proper careand attention.
If the damage is severe and themajority of the roots are
(06:48):
broken, or if a tap root isdamaged, the seedling's chances
of survival are significantlyreduced.
Severe root damage can lead towilting, yellowing or browning
of the leaves and the eventualdeath of the plant.
To mitigate the impact of rootdamage and improve the chances
of recovery, you can take thefollowing steps Ensure the
(07:11):
seedling is well watered beforeand after transplanting to help
reduce the stress.
Provide appropriateenvironmental conditions, such
as adequate sunlight, moistureand temperature, to support
recovery.
Consider using root promotingadditives or fertilizers to
encourage root growth.
Be careful not to overfertilize, though.
(07:33):
Follow the instructions closely.
Monitor the seedling closelyfor signs of stress and adjust
your care practices as needed.
But overall, while accidentalroot damage during transplanting
can be concerning, manyseedlings are resilient and can
recover with proper care andattention.
(07:56):
What is transplant shock?
Transplant shock refers to thestress and physiological changes
that a plant experiences whenit's moved from one location to
another, particularly when it'stransplanted from a container to
the ground.
The roots do not need to bedamaged for the plant to
experience this.
Transplant shock can manifestin various ways, including
(08:19):
wilting, yellowing or browningof leaves, slowed growth and
even stunted growth.
It occurs because the plant'sroot system has been disrupted,
reducing its ability to take upwater and nutrients from the
soil.
Transplant shock is a naturalresponse that many plants
experience when they are moved,but it can be minimised by
(08:40):
taking certain precautions.
Properly preparing the plantbefore transplanting, such as
watering it thoroughly andtrimming any damaged roots, can
help reduce the shock.
Providing appropriate care andenvironmental conditions, such
as adequate water, protectionfrom extreme temperatures and
gradual acclimatisation to itsnew location, will also help the
(09:02):
plant recover more quickly fromshock.
With proper care and attention,most plants can overcome
transplant shock and continue togrow and thrive in their new
location.
How long will it take for myseedlings to become established
after planting them out?
The time it takes for seedlingsto become established can vary
(09:24):
depending on factors such asplant species, environmental
conditions and the care provided.
In general, most seedlings willbegin to establish their root
systems within a few days to acouple of weeks after
transplanting.
During this establishmentperiod, it's crucial to provide
consistent care, includingadequate watering, protection
(09:45):
from harsh weather andappropriate fertilisation if
needed.
Monitor the seedlings closelyfor signs of stress or growth
and adjust the care practicesaccordingly.
While some seedlings mayestablish quickly and show
visible signs of growth within afew weeks, others may take
longer, especially if theyexperienced transplant shock or
(10:08):
environmental conditions areless than ideal.
As the seedlings grow anddevelop, they will gradually
become more resilient and betteradapted to their new
surroundings.
Once they have developed ahealthy root system and are
actively growing, they can beconsidered fully established.
This process typically takesseveral weeks to a couple of
months, depending on thespecific circumstances.
(10:33):
What additional protection can Ioffer my seedlings?
There are many options when itcomes to providing your
seedlings some additionalprotection.
One that offers protectionagainst multiple elements is the
use of the garden closh.
A garden closh, often simplyreferred to as a closh, is a
protective covering used toshield plants from adverse
(10:55):
weather conditions and pests,particularly in the early stages
of their growth.
A garden closh typicallyconsists of a transparent or
translucent cover that is placedover individual plants or rows
of plants.
The cover creates amicroclimate around these plants
, trapping heat and moisture,while allowing sunlight to still
penetrate.
(11:16):
This helps to promote growthand protect the plants from cold
temperatures, wind, frost andpests.
Closhes are available topurchase from most gardening
stores or you can make your own.
Some gardeners often createtheir own using materials like
plastic bottles with each endcut off, or milk jokes, or even
(11:37):
PVC pipes covered with someplastic sheeting.
Do-it-yourself closhes arecustomisable and can be adapted
to suit the specific needs andsize of the plants, as well as
your garden environment.
They can also contribute toreducing landfill if you have
these items laying around thatwould otherwise go to waste.
(11:59):
Can I move a seedling again onceit has become an established
plant?
Moving an established plant,including one that started as a
seedling and has grown into amature plant, can be done, but
it should be approached withcaution and care.
You need to ensure that you areminimising stress and
maximising the chances ofsuccessful transplantation.
(12:21):
The best time to move anestablished plant is during its
dormant season or periods oflower stress.
This timing allows the plant torecover more easily from the
transplant shock.
As well as all previouslymentioned transplant
preparations, there are someadditional things to consider
with established plants,depending on the size and type
(12:43):
of the plant.
You may need to stake it orprovide some support to help it
remain upright and stable.
This will assist it while itre-establishes its root system
in the new location.
It may take some time for theplant to adjust to its new
surroundings and begin growingagain.
Be patient and continue toprovide care and attention as
(13:03):
needed until the plant becomesestablished.
While moving an establishedplant can be done, it's
important to consider theplant's health and the potential
impact on its growth anddevelopment.
With proper preparation andcare, many plants can
successfully adapt to a newlocation and still continue to
thrive.
However, some species, likethose with tap roots, may be
(13:27):
more sensitive to transplantingthan others.
It's really essential toresearch the specific needs of
the plant you're moving and takethe appropriate precautions.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden relatedtopic, please connect with us
and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
(13:47):
Facebook, the seed collectioncommunity.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the seed
collection in Melbourne,australia.
It's our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways in which we're doing
that.
If you don't already know whowe are.
Jump online and visitwwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
(14:12):
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
as a huge range of seeds, gardensupplies and accessories.
That address again iswwwtheseedcollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening.
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