How to transplant plants and seedlings in the backyard

A guide to transplanting your backyard plants and seedlings

Transplanting plants is something many gardeners will need to do at one time or another. You could need to transplant plants for a range of different reasons. Maybe your plants aren’t growing well where they are and you’d like to relocate them to a more suitable spot, or maybe they’ve grown too big for where they are and you’d like to move them for better landscaping. Perhaps you’ve been growing plants in your garden but will now be moving and wish to take them with you.

Depending on the type and size, transplanting plants can range from very easy to a little more complicated.

In today’s blog, we take a look at some tips for transplanting plants, along with a few of the tools you may need to get the job done.

The tools

The tools you’ll need for transplanting plants will vary depending on the size of your plants and where you’ll be moving them to. For smaller plants, you should be able to complete a plant move with a simple trowel or handheld shovel and some gardening gloves, while larger plants may require additional tools.

Tools for larger plant moves:

• Trowel
• Gloves
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Secateurs
• A digger or blade for root pruning

How to transplant seedlings

Transplanting seedlings is a relatively simple process. This is mostly because seedlings tend to be small and easy to move about. The first thing you’ll need to do when transplanting seedlings is prepare the hole where you’ll be planting them. The hole should be twice as wide as the pot the seedling is in and just as deep. If the soil is hard and compact, consider mixing in potting mix or other fertile soil. Gently remove the seedling from its spot, being sure to support the stem, and carefully massage the roots to untangle them. Place the roots in the new hole and fill the soil around the plant, firming it down to make sure there aren’t any air pockets or gaps. Give your seedling a good watering and that’s it!

If you’re planning on transplanting a lot of plants at once, you may find it advantageous to invest in a rototiller. This is particularly helpful when moving plants from one part of your garden to another, as it will quickly and easily break up the soil. However, if you only have a few plants to move, this may not be necessary.

How to transplant larger plants

Transplanting larger plants can be a little more complicated than transplanting seedlings. This is because the roots of larger plants tend to be more developed and, as a result, are more prone to damage. Larger plants also tend to weigh more, which can make them tricky to move at times.

When transplanting larger plants, you’ll need to take extra care not to damage the roots. One way to do this is by using a shovel or spade to cut a square around the plant, being careful not to hit any of the roots. Gently lever the plant out of the ground and place it in a wheelbarrow to transport it to its new home. Remove any excess soil from around the roots for easier transportation. Once placed in the new hole, make sure to spread the roots evenly. Fill in around the plant with soil, firming it down as you go, and give it a good watering.

When transplanting a large plant, it’s important that you lift safely and don’t pick up anything that’s too heavy. If you’re unsure about whether or not you’ll be able to lift a large plant yourself, call in the professionals at Jim’s to lend a hand!

How to transplant plants into bigger pots

Moving plants from a pot to a bigger pot is quite similar to relocating your plants within a garden. Repotting can be a little messy, so if you have a simple balcony for growing plants, you may like to put a tarp down to make for an easier clean up once the task is complete. Depending on the size of your potted plants, you might be able to do the repotting job yourself, or you might require a little help. For seedlings, follow the steps for transplanting seedlings and for larger plants, follow the steps for transplanting larger plants. Repotting plants isn’t always necessary, but it will help to prevent roots from growing out of the holes at the bottom of your pots and should give your plants more space to flourish.

When should you transplant plants?

There are a few tips for knowing when to transplant your plant. For example, you shouldn’t try to do a transplant when the plant is in bloom. Instead, try to get your plant settled in its new home before its flowers and fruits start coming in, or after it’s stopped producing for the year.

Another tip is to transplant your plant early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is especially important during the summer months. A transplant can be a bit stressful for a plant (even if it’s good for it in the long term), and it doesn’t need the added midday heat to contend with. Similarly, you don’t want to transplant your plant when it’s too cold as this could cause shock for the plant.

If you’ve noticed your plant is looking a little droopy a couple of days after transplant, don’t stress! This is perfectly normal and will likely just be your plant getting used to its new home. To give the plant a helping hand, water it with a simple sugar water solution on the day of the transplant or a few days after.

Transplanting is a great way to give your plants a fresh start, whether you’re moving them to another part of your garden or into a bigger pot. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your plants make a smooth transition and continue to thrive in their new home.