Summary

Thespringgardeningseasonis almost here ! Spring is a time for unexampled root , lovesome weather , more hour of sunshine , and , of course , quite a little of time spend outdoors in the garden . So , if you started yourseedsindoors to get a head set out on the growing season , you may be wonder , when should Itransplant my seedlingsoutdoors ? transition yourgarden plantsoutside at the right fourth dimension is all important to their survival and long - terminal figure success , along with canonical plant care . Discover six tell - tale signs that your plants areready to transplantinto the garden .

1Seedlings Have Reached a Certain Size

Wait until plants are at least 2 to 3 inches tall

One way to tell if your plants are ready for transplantation is theiroverall sizeandheight . Seedlings are ready for transplant once they reach approximately 2 to 3 in tall . At this stage , they have an establish root system and have likely outgrown their currentpot or containersize .

2True Leaves Are Visible

Plants should have three to four true leaves

After get going yourplants for the upcominggardeningseason , solitaire is key . A tell - tale sign that your plants are finally quick to go outside in the garden is Modern leaf growth . Ideally , seedling should have at least three to four true leafage before transplant occurs . But , what exactly are " truthful leaves " ?

For the most part , fresh plants will take one to three weeks to make their first Seth of true leaves .

3Seedlings Have a Sturdy Stem

The main stem should stand upright

Another signaling that your industrial plant are well - fain to take on the outdoor element is strong and sturdystems . Before transplanting , seedling should have one main stem that abide just .

4Strong and Healthy Root System

Look for healthy roots that appear a white or tan color

for transition yourseedlingsoutdoors , it ’s authoritative to have a strong , well - found ancestor system . Healthy roots allow for your garden plant life with the water and nutrients they need to not only live , but thrive in the garden . Strong rootsprovide stableness and livelihood , anchoring plants in the soil , and preclude them from being easy eradicate from outdoor stipulation . Furthermore , healthy etymon also increase plant resiliency to environmental stressor , likeperiods of warmth , drought , and evendiseases .

Signs of Healthy stem

sign of Unhealthy Roots

Gardener transplanting young seedlings

Image credits:Alexander Raths via Shutterstock

5Hardening Off Is Complete

Slowly expose plants to outdoor conditions

Before you could start transplanting , allseedlingsmust complete the process ofhardening offfirst . Hardening off is the summons of lento exposing plants that have been growing indoors to the international environment and term . This operation is typically done over the course ofseven to 14 days , slowly increase the amount of time spent outside each day .

When you complete hardening off over several days , plant slowly become climatized to their unexampled environment . Hardening off reduces the chance oftransplant shock absorber , scrubby growth , scorched leaves , andwiltingafter transplant .

How to Harden Off Seedlings

stair 1 :

Place your pots or trays in a sheltered , part shaded locating . On the first twenty-four hour period , provide your plants outdoors for two to three hours , then bring them back indoors .

Step 2 :

Seeds sprouting in cardboard

Image credits:rache1 via Canva

Gradually increase the amount of clock time drop outdoors by at least one hour each day and slowly expose them to more sunlight . Continue to bring your works indoors at Nox to protect them from cold temperatures .

whole step 3 :

Near the end of the hardening off process , leave your plants outside all day and night . At this point , they should be fully adapted to their new environment . Once you complete the summons , transplant yourseedlingsinto the garden right forth .

Tomato seedlings growing in sunlight

Image credits:AlchemillaMollis via Pixabay

6Outdoor Temperatures Have Increased

Temperature determines transplant time

While your plants will give you a few main indicators that it ’s time to transplanting , outside temperatures also spiel a key role . For the good increase , expect until daytime temperatures are 60 to 70 academic degree Fahrenheit , and nighttime temperatures do not dip below 50 degree Fahrenheit before transpose your seedlings outdoors . If temperatures are too cold , plants are not capable to uptake nutrient , resulting in poor or deadening growth , and may even lead to plant last .

Transition Your Plants at the Correct Time

When startingseedsindoors , plants have plenty of time to grow and flourish while you hold off for outdoor temperature to increase . But , in ordination to have thriving garden plants , transition your seedling outdoors at the correct time is essential . Before transplanting occurs , plants should be at least 2 to 3 inch tall , have three to four truthful leaves , strong stems , and a healthy , established root system . After transplant , continue to provide basicplant aid , through steady lachrymation and fertilizing , for healthy , vigorous growth throughout thegardeningseason .

Pepper seedlings growing on a windowsill

Image credits:atsurkan via Shutterstock

Healthy roots of a plant

Image credits:Kaboompics.com via Pexels

Collection of seedlings hardening off in an outdoor garden

Image credits:JillWellington via Pixabay

Transplanting  pepper seedlings

Image credits:Miller_Eszter via Pixabay