Step by step guide to transplanting seedlings

Follow these 10 simple steps to ensure successful transplanting. 

1. Create a planting space in your garden by clearing the area of any weeds, rubble or debris.
2. Loosen an area of soil to the depth of a spade and a half, and to space your seedlings will require at maturity. Your seedlings need suitable spacing at an appropriate distance apart, so they have enough room to grow to maturity without root competition or shading. Follow the notes on the seed packet or label to avoid overplanting your garden. Planting more plants doesn’t necessarily equal a greater harvest, as they are more likely to compete for water and nutrients.
3. Moisten your soil and also the tray or punnet of seedlings you are planting. This will help to protect the roots that may become exposed to the air.
4. Carefully remove a seedling at a time, ensuring some potting mix remains around the roots as the seedlings are transferred from the pot or punnet to the garden. Aim for minimal root disturbance and avoid squeezing the soil, as this will compress and damage the roots.
5. Gently hold the seedling in place and with your other hand, pull back the loosened soil to a depth that will allow you to position the seedling at the correct depth, around 2-3cm below the surface of the soil.
6. Support the stem of the seedlings with the soil around it and gently, but firmly, press down.
7. Immediately water your newly planted seedling, gently but deeply with a shower head or garden rose. An application of seaweed solution at this time will also help to minimize transplant shock.
8. Mulch around your seedlings with straw only once they are established and at least 20cm above the soil to avoid suffocating them.
9. Protect from snails and slugs. These pests love young plants and can quickly consume all your seedlings in a single sitting.
10. Tend to your newly planted seedlings every day, keeping the soil around them moist but not wet.