How to transplant without ruining the seedlings

Picking - is transplanting seedlings to a new location with simultaneous pinching of the central root. However, transplanting is often understood as any transplanting of seedlings from smaller containers to larger ones.



This procedure should give the seedlings more space, and therefore more light, water and nutrition, and stimulate the growth of a branched root system. However, incorrect actions when transplanting seedlings can lead to their weakening or even death. To avoid this, you need to follow the transplanting technique, carry out the procedure as carefully as possible and ensure proper care for the plants after transplanting.
 

Which plants can be transplanted

Plants that tolerate picking easily

• Tomatoes – not only tolerate picking easily, but also become stronger if you deepen the stem lower than it grew before.
• Cabbage (white cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) – tolerates picking well, but requires abundant watering after the procedure.
• Celery – picking helps it develop a strong root system.
• Asters, marigolds, petunias and many other flowers – picking flower seedlings is usually carried out several times. First, the seedlings are transplanted into small pots, then into more spacious containers.

Plants that do not tolerate picking

• Cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins - these plants have fragile roots that are easily damaged. It is better to immediately sow the seeds in separate cups or peat pots so as not to pick.
• Watermelons and melons - replanting can slow down their growth, so it is also better to sow them immediately in individual containers.
• Carrots, beets, radishes - root crops do not tolerate replanting well, because if the root is damaged, they can develop incorrectly (for example, carrots become crooked). It is also better to sow them immediately in a permanent place.

When to transplant

Preparing for picking

About a day before the procedure, the seedlings should be well watered. This will make it easier to remove the seedlings from the soil and reduce the likelihood of damage to the roots. If the soil is too dry, the roots can easily break off, and if it is too wet, clods of earth will stick, which will complicate the procedure.

Prepare the soil. The soil for seedlings should be loose, fertile and retain moisture well. You can buy a ready-made substrate in the store (preferably with the mark "For seedlings") or prepare it yourself by mixing garden soil with peat and compost in a ratio of 3:1:5.

The containers for transplanting should be deep enough to allow the roots to develop freely. You can use plastic cups, special cassettes or small pots. The main condition is the presence of drainage holes to avoid stagnation of water and rotting of the roots.
 

Picking seedlings

Picking should be done carefully, trying not to damage the fragile stems and roots. To perform the procedure, prepare a small shovel, stick, spoon or fork. Carefully pry the plant with a spoon, stick or other device, trying to grab it together with a small lump of soil (never pull the seedling out of the ground by the stem!). If necessary, the long central root can be slightly shortened (usually a third of the root is removed) to stimulate the development of lateral roots - this, as mentioned above, is one of the main purposes of picking. Powder the tip of the injured root with ash to avoid infection.

In the prepared container, make a small depression and place the seedling there, deepening it to the cotyledon leaves. This will promote the formation of additional roots and strengthen the plant. After planting, carefully compact the soil around the stem to eliminate voids and ensure good contact of the roots with the soil. Then water the seedling with warm, settled water, but without excessive moisture.
 

Seedling care after picking

To ensure that the picked plants take root quickly, they must be properly cared for after the procedure.

Lighting and temperature

The first few days after transplanting, the plants experience stress, so it is advisable to place them in partial shade, protecting them from direct sunlight. After 2-3 days, you can return the seedlings to a well-lit place.

The optimal temperature for seedlings during these days is 16-18 ° C. If it is lower, their growth will slow down, and if it is too high, the seedlings may stretch out and weaken.

Watering

You need to water the transplanted plants very carefully. To avoid over-watering, water the seedlings only after the top layer of soil has dried out. For watering, it is advisable to use warm water at room temperature (approximately 22-24°C), since cold water can slow down the development of the root system.

Top dressing

Immediately after picking, the plants do not need fertilizers. The first application of fertilizers is carried out no earlier than 7-10 days later, when the seedlings adapt and begin to grow actively.

Disease prevention

After picking, plants are especially vulnerable to fungal infections. To prevent the appearance of black leg, late blight, powdery mildew and other diseases, it is important to observe certain conditions during this period:

• ensure good ventilation of the room, while avoiding drafts;
• do not over-moisten the soil;
• use only disinfected soil and containers for growing.