How To Transplant Seedlings InTo The Ground
Transplant Seedlings Into the Ground. Tom Cole from Capel Manor College shows us the correct way to transplant seedlings from trays into the soil. A must watch for all budding gardeners
Step 2: When to transplant
Transplanting should only take place in the growing season. As a general rule the seedlings are ready when they have three or four pairs of leaves and are sturdy and hardy enough to survive outdoors.
Step 3: Prepare the bed
Fork over the soil, breaking up the top and removing weeds and large stones as you go.
Level the surface, and break the soil up further, with a landscape rake. Use a push, lift, pull, lift method, otherwise it will drag too much soil and create holes. Stop raking when the soil is level and of a fine, even texture.
Give the area a quick once over with a metal rake to remove any larger stones or clumps that remain.
Next consolidate the soil; this means removing some of the air and firming the ground. Take small steps back and forth across the bed, using the flats of your feet to push the soil down. This will prevent the ground from sinking down unevenly.
Use the landscape rake to get rid of the footprints.
Step 4: Create a line
Run a line of string between two stakes about 30 centimetres away from the edge of your bed. Place a rule on the ground along side the string and mark off planting intervals with a trowel. These must give enough room for the mature plant to develop, check the back of the seed packet for the correct spacing for your variety.
Step 5: Transplant
At the first planting mark dig a hole that is deep enough to contain the seedling's root system. Push up from the underside of the tray to release the seedling. Place it into the hole, adjusting the earth beneath so that the top of the roots are level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with water. Then push the soil in towards the plant. This technique is called puddling.
Repeat this procedure to plant the remaining seedlings. Create a second row along side the first for any remaining seedlings.
Step 6: Leave to Grow
The transition is now complete. Hand weed regularly and water when required to ensure successful growth.
