Time to Transplant

My seedlings began falling over this week because they were long overdue for transplanting to larger containers.  Luckily, I had my last class of the semester for graduate school this past week, so I was homework free and able to tackle this beast of a project today.  In total I transplanted 60 seedlings and 12 bunches of basil.  Hopefully with increased exposure to the outdoors and more space to grow in their own containers, within 2-3 weeks they will get a little larger and hardier for an easy transition into the garden.

Here are some simple steps for successful transplanting:

1. Gather all your materials: potting/vegetable mix, seedlings, a plastic spoon, shovel, a bucket or large container, pots or repurposed containers, a sharpie, and a hammer and nail. You will need enough containers for each seedling to have its own.  This is also a great time time to utilize your compost if you have it.  Sadly ours is full of ants right now, so I skipped it for today.

2. Dump alternating cupfuls of potting mix and vegetable garden mix into your bucket.  Also add your compost if you have it.  Mix using your hands or a shovel.  You can use a single type of soil, but I like to mix mine so the plants get lots of different nutrients.  You will need to repeat this step throughout the transplanting process.

3. Count how many of each type of seedling you have and label containers for each one. You may think you'll remember what is in which containers later, but it is highly unlikely.  If you're using repurposed containers, poke 3-4 holes in the bottom of each one using your hammer and nail.

4. Fill your containers about 3/4 of the way with your soil mix.  Make a deep well in the soil using your finger or the end of your plastic spoon.  

5. Then, very carefully scoop up your first seedling using the plastic spoon.  Take a little of the dirt with you as this will help the seedling adjust to its new home.

6. Gently place the seedling's roots into the well you made in the soil.  Use your finger to lightly push it down if necessary.

7. Add more soil to the container using your spoon, covering all but about a quarter inch of the stem.  This will help the plant remain supported as it continues to grow. 

8. Gradually increase the amount of time your seedlings are spending outdoors.  Placing the containers in disposable aluminum pans or on trays makes it easy to move them back and forth.  They should ideally be outdoors all day and overnight for at least a week before moving to the garden. 

Look for more updates on how to get seedlings ready for going into the ground in the coming weeks!