Easy tips and tricks for even the blackest of thumbs
Transplanting is simply the act of moving your plant from one spot to another, and it is really easy to do! Just like moving homes, transplanting can be a stressful process, but it really doesn’t have to be!
Here’s some tips and tricks so you can transplant successfully!
- Transplant When The Plant Is Ready
The fine roots of the plant tends to get damaged in the process of moving it from pot to another. This is why it is best to transplant when the plant is strong enough to withstand some damage.
For young seedlings: 8 days after sowing in 100% biodegradable CocoCups or when the plant has a minimum of 6 true leaves if sown in plastic trays.
For mature plants: when it has outgrown its pot
2. Deeply water soil 30–60 minutes before transplanting
You would need to water both the soil in the current pot and the soil in the plant’s new home at least 30 minutes before. Moist soil reduces friction and therefore causes less damage to the root ball when you move the plant(s) from one pot to another. Also, plants tend to close their stomata during transplanting, and can no longer take in water through their leaves. Ensuring the soil is well watered enables the plant to continue to receive nourishment through their roots as they settle into their new home.
3. Do not transplant in direct sunlight
The best time to transplant is in the early morning, evening or on cloudy days when it is cool out. Plant roots love darkness and moisture, and will be significantly stressed when exposed to high heat and light for too long. If you have to transplant during scorching weather, move your pots into a shaded area. After they are moved to their new home, water it deeply and keep them in a shaded area overnight. You might consider mulching the soil around the plant to keep the root zone cool.
This is why we love starting our seeds in 100% biodegradable CocoCups, it allows your plants to ‘move home’ without causing any stress to it!
4. Avoid disturbing the root zone
When moving your plants, take extra care not to disturb the root zone. Avoid touching or even removing the dirt surrounding the root ball. Ensure the hole in the final pot/area is well prepared — it should be just a little bit bigger and wider than the current pot the plant is in. Invert the pot, hold the plant by the lower stem and gently cradle the soil around it before lowering it into its final home.
The only time you will need to disturb the root ball is when a plant is root bound. This happens when plant roots have completely outgrown the pot and circled around itself to form a dense mat. In this situation, trim off excess roots that have grown through the pot, and gently tease the lower roots apart. Ensure that the plant has been well watered before.
5. Water well after transplanting
To ensure that the plant settles well into its new home, water it deeply after transplanting. This achieves two things. Firstly, it allows the soil to settle well around the roots in a gentle manner. Secondly, it ensures the plant continues to take in nutrients through its roots while it is unable to do so through its leaves.
6. Use a diluted solution of seaweed extract to help it along
Dilute 1 ml of organic liquid concentrate to 1 litre of water, and water new transplants with it. Seaweed extract promotes root extension and lateral root development and goes a long way in reducing transplant shock for plants.
There you have it! Some handy tips so you can go get your grow on just like a pro!
Pick up your Organic Growth Booster and everything else you’d need at the Farmcity Shop!
