How to Transplant Your Starts into Your Veggie Garden!

Fear of starting a garden is a common issue that can deter many people from experiencing the joys and benefits of gardening. Taking each day at a time, and enjoying the experimental aspect of gardening may help relieve some of that stress. If you are committed to learning-your garden will naturally flourish! One of the best way to learn-  is to follow checklists that are easy to read!

Below we have put together a "best practices" list for transplanting veggie starts into your hobby garden. 

1. Choose the Right Time to Transplant: It's important to wait until your starters are strong enough to survive in the garden before transplanting them. Make sure to check the seed packet or plant label for recommended planting times. In general, wait until the last expected frost date in your area has passed before transplanting.

2. Prepare the Soil: Prepare the soil in your garden bed by removing any weeds or rocks and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. You can also add compost or other organic matter to the soil to help improve its texture and fertility.

3. Water the Starters: Before transplanting, make sure to water your starters thoroughly. This will help to loosen the soil around the roots and make it easier to remove the plant from its container.

4. Remove the Starters from Their Containers: Gently remove the starter plant from its container by carefully squeezing the sides of the container and pulling the plant out. Be careful not to damage the roots. If you feel resistance when pulling out the plant form the container- be sure to add more water.

5. Plant the Starters: Dig a hole in the prepared soil that is slightly larger than the container the starter plant was in. Place the plant in the hole and gently press the soil around the base of the plant to secure it in place.

6. Water the Transplanted Starters: After planting, water the transplanted starters well. This will help to settle the soil around the roots and provide the plant with the moisture it needs to grow.

7. Provide Adequate Care: Make sure to provide your transplanted starters with adequate care, including regular watering and fertilization, as well as protection from pests and extreme weather conditions.

One of the other aspects when transplanting to starts is to make sure you are putting the plant in a place that will allow your veggies to flourish. Below is a list of the most commonly planted veggies, and what environment they prefer (we included Pumpkins and Winter Squash of course:))

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes prefer full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. They also benefit from a balanced fertilizer and regular watering.

2. Peppers: Peppers also prefer full sun and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They are more tolerant of less fertile soil than tomatoes but still benefit from a balanced fertilizer and regular watering.

3. Cucumbers: Cucumbers prefer full sun and fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They also require consistent moisture, so regular watering is important. It's a good idea to provide them with some support, such as a trellis, as they grow.

4. Zucchini: Zucchini plants also prefer full sun and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They require consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization. Zucchini plants can take up quite a bit of space in the garden, so make sure to give them plenty of room to spread out.

5. Lettuce: Lettuce prefers partial shade (around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day) and fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They also require consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization. Lettuce can be planted in the early spring or fall for best results.

6. Winter Squash: Winter squash, such as butternut or acorn squash, prefers full sun and fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They are heavy feeders, so they benefit from regular fertilization. It's also important to give them plenty of room to grow, as they can take up quite a bit of space in the garden.

7. Pumpkins: Pumpkins also prefer full sun and fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They require consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization. Like winter squash, they need plenty of space to spread out, so make sure to give them plenty of room in the garden.

Another great tip for starts is to use the technique of soil blocking. Soil blocking is a technique for starting plants that involves using a special tool to make soil blocks instead of using traditional pots or trays. Here's how it works:

1. Soil blocking involves using a soil blocker, which is a tool that compresses soil into small, block-shaped clumps. In the photo above, you would then take a straight edged tool, and begin to block out each seedling.

2. The soil is mixed with a binding agent, such as coconut coir or peat moss, to help it hold together.

3. Once the soil is compressed into blocks, the blocks are left to dry out for a short period of time. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle.

4. Seedlings can then be planted directly into the soil blocks, and the blocks can be transplanted into the garden when the seedlings are ready.

There are a few benefits to using soil blocking for starting plants:

1. Soil blocking eliminates the need for plastic pots or trays, which can be expensive and can contribute to plastic waste.

2. Soil blocks are more space-efficient than traditional pots, as they can be packed more closely together.

3. Soil blocking can help prevent transplant shock, as the seedlings can be transplanted directly into the garden without disturbing their roots.

4. The soil blocks provide good drainage and aeration, which can help promote healthy root growth.

Soil blocking can be a bit more labor-intensive than using traditional pots or trays, as it requires mixing the soil with a binding agent and using a special tool to make the blocks. However, many gardeners find that the benefits of soil blocking are worth the extra effort.

Do not feel discouraged if you get behind this planting season, there are always some short cuts you can take- such as buying starts from your local store. Enjoy the process, learn from your previous experience, and continue to grow!

Thank you for letting us be a part of your gardening journey- and Happy Planting!