This article primarily addresses transplanting flowers and vegetables to your garden. However, we include a short note on transplanting trees and shrubs.

Unless you plant everything from seed, directly into your garden, you will eventually have to transplant. That is, take a seedling (young, small plant) and transfer it from it's home in a container to your garden. This can be very traumatic for any plant. If done carelessly, your plant's growth can be stunted... or worse, your plant may die.

Transplanting is not difficult and requires no great skill. It just involves a few simple, common sense steps.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs should be transplanted when they are dormant. This means in the spring or fall when the plant has no leaves. Evergreens, of course, will have leaves but should also be transplanted in late fall.

The biggest mistake committed in transplanting trees and shrubs is the failure to dig the proper size hole. You should make the hole twice the size (diameter) of the root ball and a depth that positions the top of the root ball at the same level it was before moving it. The roots should be separated out if they are compacted from being in a container. It does not hurt to even cut a few roots. Be sure to water immediately after planting and again every day for 2 or three days. Then water, as needed.

Flowers and Vegetables

Many of the same rules for planting trees and shrubs also applies to flowers and vegetables.

1. If possible, fertilize the plant lightly with an all purpose fertilizer or transplant fertilizer 2 or 3 days prior to transplanting.
2. Dig the hole twice the diameter as the root ball.
3. Plant at a depth that places the top of the root ball at a level the same as it was in the container.
4. Water the empty hole until soil is completely saturated.
5. Roll the container in your hands to loosen, then turn upside down, catching the plant with your other hand.
6. Fill around the plant with soil and tamp it down to eliminate any air pockets.
7. Water immediately after planting and again for about 2-3 days. Saturate the soil but do not make soggy. Then maintain a watering schedule, as needed.

Important Tips for Flowers and Vegetables:
* Do not disturb roots more than necessary.
* Plant late in the afternoon. Avoid transplanting directly in hot mid-day sun.
* Water your plants with a good water-soluble fertilizer, that is intended for transplants. Three commonly recommended fertilizers are Vitamin B1, Ortho Upstart and Miracle Grow All-Purpose fertilizer(they should be mixed, and applied, according to their individual instructions).

Follow these simple tips when transplanting and you will be rewarded with healthy, productive plants that will thrive.

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