Skyler My vegetable seedlings are getting BIG! Which means it’s time for an upgrade. As their roots grow, they like to be repotted into a larger containers. It can be time consuming but I absolutely LOVE getting in the dirt and spending a couple minutes with each vegetable start I grew from seed. Plus this step is so important to ensure that your vegetables grow roots large enough to support the weight of the beautiful produce you’ll be growing and eating all summer long!
I transplanted my nightshades (tomatoes and eggplant) and my brassicas (I only did two varieties of kale this year). I’ll repot my peppers next! Once I finish, I’ll remove the heating pad but continue to keep my lights on their cycle of 12 hours on, 12 hours off. (If you want my planting tips and to see these seedling’s progress check out my post They’re Alive!) My tips for repotting are below.
- Gather your supplies: soil, cups for repotting (I like to use these), labels/permanent marker.
- Label your seedlings in marker on the side of each cup as you plant. It’s easy to mix up your veggie varieties otherwise!
- Be gentle with your plant roots. If you are separating two seedlings, wet the roots so they aren’t as brittle.
- Make sure to cut a hole in the bottom of your cup to help with soil drainage.
- Don’t pack the soil too tightly around your new seedling. The soil should have some spring to it.
- When transplanting tomatoes, bury them deep. Each little hair on the stem of your plant will form a root if buried.
- Water them in. I always give them a big soak after repotting my seedlings. It helps with ease their shock of being replanted.
HAPPY GARDENING!!!
