Unit 5: Seedling Transplanting

Jaafar Juju Nakasha

5.1 Introduction
In plant cultivation, plants can be planted either by direct seeded at field, or by transplanting.
Direct seeded is easier and does not require many skills compared to transplanting. Transplant
technique is popularly use in plants with fibrous root system. However, it is also applicable to
do transplanting for plants with tap root system. A lot of producers prefer to use transplanting
techniques as it offers more benefits compared to direct seeding. Transplanting started with
the establishment of seedlings in either temporary plots, germination tray, poly bags, Jiffy-7 or
containers filled with germination media. As transplanting causes disturbance to the seedlings,
the plants might grow slower and more sensitive than those direct seeded plants at initial stage.
Therefore, it is crucial to properly transplant the seedlings in order for the plants to grow and
develop.

5.2 Objectives
Students will be able to:
1. To determine the correct stage in transplanting
2. To properly transfer the seedlings from germination tray to growing media

5.3 Methodology
One must gently do transplanting in order to ensure minimal shock to the plants. Few factors
such as species, light, water and temperature contribute to the success of transplanting. When
seedlings are large enough, within 10 to 14 days (depends on plant type) or at least two to three
true leaves established, harden them by withholding water either decrease amount of water
given or expose them to full sunlight.

Hardening of Seedlings Process

Leave your seedlings outside (out of the shelter) for an hour more than the previous day i.e if
the seedlings were previously exposed to sunlight for 3 hours, then increase the duration to 4
hours. Gradually increase the duration under the full sunlight for each day. At the same time,
you can move the seedlings to a less sheltered location by further from the shelter or out from
under a tree. Hardening process is to prepare the seedlings for a less nurturing environment.

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A. Materials

Seedlings, Scissors, Hand scoop

B. Methods
Before transplanting, selection of plants must be done. Only uniform, healthy and having 2 sets
of true leaves should be taken for transplanting.

1. Selection of seedlings:
 Healthy (No sign of yellowing, wilt, abnormal, retard or too thin compared to others) as
shown in Figure 5.1.
 Must have at least 2 true leaves or 2 set of leaves
 The age of the seedlings depends on species. However, for leafy vegetables, the 7- 10
days-old seedling is sufficient for transplanting.

2. Transplanting:
 Add some water to the germination media if it is too dry.
 Dig a hole on the growing medium and make sure that the hole is bigger than the root
cluster of the seedling.
 Carefully take out the seedlings from germination tray and make sure that the root cluster
is attached with the germination media (Figure 5.1).
 Carefully place the seedling inside the hole and cover it back by using the growing medium.
 Make sure that the seedling is straight by pressing the growing medium firmly. Do not press
it too hard, as it might damage the root (Figure 5.2).
 Irrigate the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting.
 Irrigation should be done frequently during this initial stage.

Tips: As the seedlings undergo stress, and increase in respiration rate during transplanting,
you can reduce it by removing 1-2 leaves, cutting the leaves into half, and make sure that the
soil is not dry.

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Figure 5.1. Seedling with root cluster, attach with the germination medium.
(Source: https://dpnc.org/calendar/transplanting-seedlings-2/)

Figure 5.2. Pressing the growing medium.

(Source: https://www.veggiegardener.com/transplanting-vegetable-seedlings/)

5.4 Keywords
Hardening phase, growing medium, plant growth, transplanting

5.5 Activities
 Transplanting the seedlings.
 The plants need to be monitored daily and make sure that the growing medium is not
dry. Record your observation in the table given.

5.6 Student Observation

Days after Observation (Any signs of wilting, yellowing, retardation,

Transplanting increase in height, number of leaves)
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2
3
4
5
6
7

5.7 Summary
Extra care during the transplanting is needed to ensure high survival percentage after
transplanting. Good transplanting technique can lead to uniform, vigorous and healthy
development of plant.

References
Singh, D. J. and Davidson, J. Ed. Mendon Cottage Books. (2015).The Art of Sowing,
Transplanting, and Planting Your Garden (Gardening Series Book 24). JD-Biz Corp
Publishing.

Swinton, L. (2019). Principles of Seed Science. United States, Callisto Reference.

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