Transplanting for Success
What You’ll Learn
Harden seedlings by gradually reducing shade and watering over 7 to 10 days before moving them to the field.
Transplant in late afternoon or on overcast days to spare your seedlings the worst of the heat.
Water deeply straight after transplanting to settle soil around the roots and close any air pockets.
Hardening Off
Start hardening your seedlings 7 to 10 days before transplanting by gradually reducing shade and watering frequency. This toughens their stems and leaves so they can handle direct sun and open-field winds. Seedlings that miss this step often wilt badly and take far longer to establish — it is time well spent.
When to Transplant
Move seedlings when they have 4 to 6 true leaves — not just the initial cotyledon leaves. True leaves mean the root system is developed and ready for field conditions. Late afternoon or overcast days are your best window, reducing the heat stress that causes wilting.
Transplanting Technique
Water seedlings thoroughly 2 hours before lifting them from the nursery. Dig planting holes slightly larger than the root ball and add a small amount of starter fertiliser. Set each seedling at the same depth it was growing in the nursery, firm the soil gently around the stem, and then water deeply straight away to close any air pockets around the roots.