Space and transplant seedlings

When to do it

Within the plant’s zone window, in mild weather after hardening off.

What you need

• Healthy seedlings
• Trowel, ruler and water
• Plant labels

How to do it

1. Check the mature spacing in the plant guide or variety label. Mark positions while allowing access for watering and harvest.
2. Water the tray and prepared bed if dry. Make each hole wide enough for the root ball.
3. Ease out one plug by supporting it from below. Preserve the root ball and avoid pulling the stem.
4. Set at the species’ planting depth, usually the original soil level. Backfill and firm gently without crushing roots.
5. Water around the roots and label. Check moisture in the original plug as well as surrounding soil during establishment; protect from severe sun or wind.

What success looks like

• Plants stand securely and put out new growth.
• There is room between mature plants, not just between seedlings.

Watch out for

• Burying crowns indiscriminately.
• Planting heat-stressed seedlings at midday.

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