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The first step is to
choose healthy nursery stock. Avoid long plants in full bloom, as
these aren't fit well for transplantation. Also stay away from
plants with discolored and wilted leaves. Instead, go for stocky,
deep green plants with buds.
Healthy bedding plants are shorter and have a good amount of side
branching and healthy stems. These transplant and grow more readily
than dense, lanky plants. Sometimes transplants have crowded roots
that become entangled (known as root bound). If the plant you
purchase shows signs of this condition, at planting time loosen the
root ball a little.
When you plant is also important. The best time to plant is after
the last frost date on a warm, cloudy day. Preparation will ensure a
proper transplant. Using a cultivator or hoe, loosen the soil,
leaving behind no bulky clods. Dig a planting hole with a trowel
that is sized to fit the root ball and has room for some growth.
To transplant, place the root ball into the hole and fill the space
around it with soil. In order for each plant to reach maturity and
grow to a good size, leave some space between seedlings. This will
avoid problems of future crowding.
Larger plants can be planted following a similar method. Plants that
have a tendency to overgrow (tansy, mint, bamboo) should be planted
right in their pots. But before you plant the pots, cut out the
bottom to contain their runners.
For several weeks after planting, don't add any fertilizer. Thorough
watering is important though - it's also helpful to apply some B
vitamins so that the plants are better able to deal with the shock
of transplantation. Keep watering on a regular basis until you start
to notice new growth. This is an indication that the plants are
putting down roots and have a good chance of survival. |
