Transplanting Seedlings Into The Garden Soil
The garden soil should be adequately dry to prevent compaction. At this point, plants may experience transplant shock and a setback in growth. Plants must adjust to dramatically different nutrient levels, soil temperatures, moisture levels and soil tilth in the garden.
Staking: Just before transplanting the tomato plants to their final position in the garden drive a strong stake into the ground about 2" from the planting position. The stake should be at least 1 foot deep in the ground and 4 feet above ground level. The further the stake is into the ground the better the support.
Planting To plant in the garden, dig a hole in the bed to the same depth as the pot. Ease the plant out of the pot, keeping the root ball undisturbed as much as possible. Place it in the hole and fill around the plant with soil. The soil should be a little higher than it was in the pot. Space tomato plants 2 to 3' apart in the garden. Water if conditions are at all dry.
Loosely tie the plant's stem to the support stake using soft garden twine - allow some slack for future growth.
Other Tips
- Putting Tomato Plant Seedlings in The Garden Soil Too Early -You may get overly excited about growing tomatoes and put your tomato plants in the garden soil too early. Hold on tight, leave seedlings in containers and wait for warmer overnight temperatures before you do it. On very cool nights, or if a late frost will occur, you may need to take your seedlings in pots indoors for a night or two. If you have to bring your seedlings indoors, place them near a sunny window or use grow lights.
- Fence In Your Garden If Necessary -Once you've transplanted your seedlings to the vegetable garden, and depending on where you live and garden, there might be rabbits, deer, chickens, cats and other animals that can and will eat your plants. So you might have to put up a fence, even if only temporarily. Chicken wire attached to stakes or posts is cheap and easy to put up. If deer are your only problem, there are simple electrical fences available.
- Growing Organic Vegetables - If at all poossible, grow your vegetables organically; without using synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals. Check with your local nursery and garden center or feed and seed store to see if they carry organic compost, organic vegetable plant foods, and organic insect and disease control products. The rpice of these organic growing and care products is usually no more than the toxic alternatives. Not to mention you'll save lots of money growing some of your own vegetables.
- No Drainage for Plants -Make sure you transplant tomato seedlings into well-drained garden soil. To insure good drainage you can plant your tomato plants in "raised" or "mounded" rows in the garden, or you can construct a "raised bed garde" using wood, stone, brick or other products for sidewalls. When constructing a raised bed garden, kepp in mind that walls should be 1 to 2 feet or so in height and beds should be no more that four feet wide. Higher walls mean you won't have to stoop as far when picking produce. Narrower beds means you can pick produce from both sides of the bed.
