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Transplanting Tomato and Hot Pepper Plants.

© Joe Arditi

O.K. You've nursed those seeds through the germination stage and the fragile seedling stage. They are growing fine and you're ready to move to the next step, moving them outdoors. There are 2 key stages ahead the "Hardening Off" and the actual "Transplant" stage. Keep in mind it will all be worth it. The selection of plants available from most nurseries , discount stores and grocery stores is meager at best. By starting your own seeds indoors you open yourself up to an endless selection of Tomatoes and Peppers. Literally hundreds of varieties each! Anyway the most crucial step is the next one.

"Hardening Off" ------------- This is absolutely KEY. Gardening is mostly common sense. Keep in mind your plants have been in a controlled indoor climate. Probably between 65 and 70 degrees with no wind and partial sunshine through a sunny windowsill in most cases. These are not the conditions outdoors where these tender plants will have 30 degree swings in temperature, direct sunlight and some windy conditions. Not to worry..just let them adapt GRADUALLY.

I recommend bringing them outdoors the first day for 1/2 hour in just partial sunlight in an area protected by the wind. Some gardeners start out even simpler than this by opening the window where plants are growing a few inches for an hour, then two, then three hours per day. After your plants are outdoors for 1/2 hour somewhat protected increase the time daily to 1 hour, 2, 3, 4, leading up to 8 hours per day. Then leave them out overnight for a full day. As the amount of hours increase you can gradually expose them to more direct sunlight and some wind. Keep in mind the soil will dry faster outdoors due to sun and wind so water more frequently outdoors. The soil in containers will dry faster than your actual actual garden will. This entire process takes about 2 weeks. If there is a thunderstorm or high winds..obviously skip that day. Again your primary objective is to let your plants acclimate gradually to the new outdoor environment.

"Transplanting" ------------- You are just about there now. Your plants are adjusted to being outdoors and you're moving them to their permanent home. The key now is: 1. Don't disturb the roots. 2. Create a favorable soil environment. 3. Transplant the right depth.

To prepare the soil I like to mix into the hole a healthy shovelful of sand (most tomatoes and peppers originated in a tropical climate..besides sand allows the roots to aerate) and a shovelful of composted cow manure or compost. This will continually feed your plants throughout the growing season.