When seedlings are large enough to be held between two fingers, they need to be transplanted.
Transplanting can be done into peat pressed trays, low boxes, or pots. The soil in the containers must be light and contain an equal proportion of mature compost and sand. Seedlings develop stronger roots in leaner soil with fewer nutrients.
Vegetable species such as tomatoes or zucchini, which remain in seedling form for a longer period, need to be transplanted once more into a slightly larger pot. The best time for transplanting is when the potting soil is filled with the roots of the seedling.
If the weather is favorable, any other vegetable, such as lettuce, can be planted in the field.
Before planting in their final location, seedlings need to be accustomed to the new conditions. Gardeners call this process hardening off seedlings. The first step can be taken indoors; if it's warm outside, air out the seedlings as often as possible. After a few days, weather permitting, you can take the seedlings outside for the whole day and bring them back inside in the evening.
When planting seedlings in the field, it's best to choose a cloudy day or plant later in the evening, as strong sunlight can wilt the young plants.
Remove the wet root ball from the pot or pressed peat tray and fit it into the prepared location. When planting, hold the seedling upright and fill the remaining space with soil. The seedling must then be thoroughly watered, directing the water stream towards the older soil ball to compact the soil around the root.
It is very important that the hole not be too small, allowing for radial root distribution and intact placement below ground. Adding a handful of mature compost to the prepared hole greatly benefits the plant.
Seedlings are always planted at the same depth they were previously in pots or seed trays. An exception to this rule is the tomato, which can be planted deeper. Since additional roots will develop along the tomato seedling stem that is buried in the soil, the plant is not affected even if it is planted very deep.
Seedlings recently planted tend to wilt in the first few days. During this period, it is good to protect them from the strong rays of the sun by shading them with newspapers or a tarp. After planting in the field, we must place thin layer of mulch which maintains soil moisture. The most recommended mulch is that made solely from straw.
