Transplanting Plants

The experts at Miller Plant Farm know that plants should not be allowed to get too big before being transplanted. Whether your garden is in York or elsewhere, follow the plant transplanting guidelines below for the best gardening results.

• A few hours before transplanting, thoroughly water the soil in which the plants are growing.
• Take the plants out of the container in which they are growing as careful as possible. Separate them disturbing the roots and soil as little as possible. If plants are in jiffy pots -- Do not disturb pot.
• The Miller Plant Farm Planting Guide is a complete guide that not only shows the quantity of plantsrequired for a given space but also shows approximate field planting dates and time to maturity. 
• Set each plant slightly deeper than before in a hole large enough to take the roots without cramping. Some soil-compost material around and under plants is beneficial.
• Use starter fertilizer when transplanting to give your plants a faster start. Starter fertilizer is an all-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus, for example10-50-10 or 10-52-17. Mix fertilizer with water (about 2 tablespoons per gallon of water). When you transplant, place about one cup of the solution around the roots of each plant. If starter fertilizer is not available, mix 1cup of 5-10-5 or similar fertilizer in 12 qts. of water and use one cup of solution for each plant.
• Press soil firmly about the roots and cover with dry soil to exclude the air and conserve moisture.
• Transplant late in the day if possible.
• If dry weather follows transplanting, water the plants thoroughly at least once a week.
• Try to rotate crops from year to year to prevent disease build up.