All of us wonder at some point about the proper way of transplanting a plant from a pot to the ground. This is an essential process because the plant needs to have a healthy start in order not to wither. This involves a lot more than merely taking the plant and place it in a hole in the ground. In the next lines, we find out more about:
* When Should We Transplant
* Where Should We Transplant
* Steps to Transplant the Plant from The Pot to The Ground
* How to Transplant Annuals
* How to Transplant Perennials
* How to Transplant Vegetables
When Should We Transplant
The first consideration is to understand the right timing; otherwise, our plants can be exposed to cold temperatures, leaving them prone to freezing. Most plants are dormant in early spring or late fall, which is usually the perfect period to transplanting your plant from the pot to the ground. If you live in a warm climate, fall might be the right choice, too. Your climate has a significant impact on the right timing. Therefore, if all seasons are frost-free, you can transplant it at any time. If you do so in hot climates, you need to pay extra attention and water your plant abundantly.
Where Should We Transplant
The second question is where we choose to place our plants. Although we might have specific ideas when it comes to garden design, not all plants thrive in any conditions. It is vital to take note of your plant’s preferences regarding the amount of sunlight, shade, type of soil, and even how exposed it is to wind. Another factor you should consider is the size; some plants grow tall, wide, or both; thus, you need to make sure your plant has enough space to develop.
In tandem with this, you need to check the plant’s preferences for the type of soil. Not too many varieties enjoy soggy soils, and most prefer soil types with good drainage; otherwise, the roots can rot quickly. To check the drainage properties of the soil, you can dig a hole in the ground and fill it with water. If you have a hole of 12 inches by 12 inches, the water should not be less than 2 inches after two days of consecutive fillings.
Steps to Transplant the Plant from The Pot to The Ground
Now that we know how and when to transplant it, the plant needs to be prepared for this process. Before you remove it from the pot, you need to water it thoroughly. With the pot turned over, it is now time to tap around the edges and the rim, so that the plant gets loose and slides out.
When you handle the plant, you need to make sure you grab it from the roots, not the stem or the trunk; otherwise you risk damaging it. When you make the hole in the ground, ensure that the depth is the same as the pot, but the width needs to be double. The sides of the hole should not be straight, but make them so that the top of the hole is wider than the bottom part.
Place the roots in the hole and cover half of them with soil. Cover the ground with water and wait until it drains, as this helps to remove air pockets inside it. Once the water is drained, cover the rest of the hole with soil and tap it with your hands around the base of the plant. Make gentle movements, ensuring that the soil is not too compact.
These are the general guidelines you need to follow when you transplant a plant from a pot to the ground. In the next lines, it is time to find out some more details about specific plants.
How to Transplant Annuals
If you want to transplant your annual flowers, you can do so during the warm weather. Some examples of annuals include marigolds, petunias, impatiens, and many more. You need to plant then in April, or after the last frost date. The ideal time is early in the morning before the weather warms up too much. If you bought them in a bunch, you need to provide enough space for them to grow. Loosen the annuals’ roots with gentleness and plant them into the new hole.
How to Transplant Perennials
As for annuals, perennials can also be transplanted in spring. Make sure you water the soil abundantly before transplanting it, but do not make it soggy. You can follow the same tips as presented above and, you can use 2 inches of compost around the perennial to help the earth remain moist and avoid weeds.
How to Transplant Vegetables
Vegetables can be a little more difficult to transplant, but surely worth all the effort. For greens and lettuce, you can plant them in early spring as they are more resistant and can survive a very light frost. It is best to choose a cloudy day to transplant them so that you protect them from direct sunlight. For other types of vegetables, the weather should be warm enough so you can stay outside in a short-sleeved t-shirt. Such examples include cucumber, tomato, and pepper.
Another consideration you should keep in mind is that you also need to water the soil abundantly before you plant your veggies. Once you plant them, you need to water them, but do so gently because a strong blast of water can damage them.
Reaching the final part of our guidelines, when you want to transplant a plant from pot to the ground, it is essential to acknowledge that you should also check your plant’s preferences. The preferences may include light, soil, and other environmental factors. Paying extra care for the watering rituals also helps the new plants to adjust better in their new home, and as the weather becomes warmer, you can enjoy a garden full of beautiful plants.