Getting Started

ID #1278

Why do I need to transplant?

Contributed by: Thurgood Jenkins

Roots grow outward for stability, so they naturally collect at the edges of the container and leave much of the soil in the middle of the pot unused. This will cause slowed growth because the roots may restrict each other. Transplanting allows for a more efficient root mass, as the space in the middle of the final container will be used.

Allowing the roots to collect at the edges of your 1-gallon pot, will ensure a more efficient root mass when transplanting to a 3-gallon pot. Each time you transplant, you can also bury the plant up to the first node or branch to shorten it's overall height.

Added by: Kunta wears a sarong

It might be worth mentioning that you can bury the plant low or high in the pot you are transplanting to as well; that way all your plants will start off being the same height. Transplanting high might be a good idea for patio growers in high rainfall conditions - this will help drainage.

When
Transplanting should be done a day after watering because moist roots and soil (not soaking wet or bone dry) will slide out of the old pot easier. The soil will hold together better, and less root damage will occur.

How
You should loosen the root bound roots from the bottom and lower sides of the root ball by teasing them out loosely and gently - this will help the transition. if there are too many hanging down after teasing, then it is ok to cut or tear a few handfuls of roots away. If the roots are wrapped around the root ball in the shape of the original pot, then it's best to cut these away to promote faster root penetration into the new pot.

Timing
The secret is the timing of the transplant; you want when the roots have filled the original pot, but before the roots have wrapped around and the plant has become root bound.

The danger of transplanting too early is that when you up can the pot and lift off the pot some of the soil and young roots may become damaged due to the fact that there is insufficient amount of roots to hold all the soil together.

The danger of waiting too long before transplanting is that growth will slow, as the plant has insufficient root room to match the above ground growth – ultimately yielding less. In addition, micro deficiencies, dehydration and other problems occur more frequently with root bound plants. Root-bound plants also take awhile to become vigorous again.

My Technique
My preferred method of transplanting is to moisten the pots I'm going to transplant, moisten the new soil at the bottom of the new pots with a garden mister (the pump up models are best - misters are by far the best way to moisten the soil because they act like rain and do not compact the soil).

Mist each 3-inch layer of soil - lightly sprinkle around the old root ball in the new pot - this will create the best conditions for new growth. Roots will reach out and grow much faster into a light, airy moist soil than the compacted mud created by a hose or watering can to wet down the soil

I believe that many problems are caused initially by compacting the soil.

Lightly moisten your soil before and after transplanting. If a lot of water is pouring out of the holes in the bottoms of your pots when transplanting, then you are probably over wetting the soil and creating soil compaction.

Tips:
If your soil is lacking in soil conditioners (e.g. sand, rock gravel, perlite, vermiculite etc) and the roots have penetrated the new soil - then water again. In normal conditions this would be 4 - 7 days after transplanting. Try to emulate the natural action of rain: pump up misters, watering wands, sprinkler type watering cans are best - forget about using a hose as this may compact the soil and it is also very easy to over water (quickly leaching out nutrients from the soil).

All the soil mix ingredients should be mixed in dry.... never stir or mix wet soil mixes, as they will turn to useless mud.

Categories for this entry

Last update: 2006-02-23 13:07
Author:
Revision: 1.0

Print this record Print this record
Send to a friend Send to a friend
Show this as PDF file Show this as PDF file
Export as XML-File Export as XML-File

Please rate this entry:

Average rating: 4.5 from 5 (6 Votes )

completely useless 1 2 3 4 5 most valuable

You can comment on this entry

Comment of af (2008-10-01 20:34:51):
warhammer gold warhammer money warhammer accounts tibia money tibia gold tibia item runescape accounts buy runescape accounts runescape money runescape gold runescape gp runescape power leveling runescape powerleveling cheap rs2 powerleveling runescape equipment buy rs equipment runescape runes cheap rs2 runes runescape logs cheap rs2 logs runescape items buy runescape items runescape quest point rs2 quest point cheap runescape questpoint runescape gold runescape items runescape power leveling runescape money runescape gold buy runescape gold buy runescape money runescape items runescape accounts runescape gp runescape accounts runescape money runescape power leveling runescape powerleveling tibia gold dofus kamas buy dofus kamas wow power leveling wow powerleveling runescape questpoint rs2 questpoint Warcraft PowerLeveling Warcraft Power Leveling World of Warcraft PowerLeveling World of Warcraft Power Leveling Hellgate money Hellgate gold buy runescape logs buy rs2 items cheap runescape items Hellgate London gold Guild Wars Gold buy Guild Wars Gold runescape items rs2 accounts cheap rs2 equipments lotro gold buy lotro gold buy runescape money buy runescape gold buy runescape runes lotro gold buy lotro gold runescape money runescape gold cheap rs2 powerleveling eve isk eve online isk buy runescape power leveling rs2 power leveling tibia gold tibia item runescape accounts Fiesta Silver Fiesta Gold Scions of Fate Gold Hellgate Palladium Hellgate London Palladium SOF Gold Age Of Conan Gold AOC Gold ArchLord gold tibia money tibia gold runescape accounts runescape gold cheap rs2 powerleveling buy ArchLord gold DDO Plat Dungeons and Dragons Online Plat

Comment of wow power leveling (2009-04-14 01:49:14):
Gold key link for (wow power leveling) the law by all, such (wow power leveling) as bubble shadow dream (wow power leveling) hallucinations, such (power leveling) as exposed as well as (wow gold) electricity, should be (wow powerleveling) the case zhang xiao chen

Comment of ljhha (2009-07-09 02:54:11):
The Basiclouboutin shoes Standard for christian louboutin shoesEnterprise Internalchristian louboutin Control was announcedlouboutin shoes discount in 2008 and islouboutin shoes sponsored by louboutin shoe salethe Ministry of Sale christian louboutinFinance, China Securities Buy christian louboutin StoreRegulatory Commission,

Comment of NHH (2009-07-09 02:55:55):
The new rule ed hardy capsrequires companiesed hardy shirts listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhened hardy women exchanges to conduct Tiffany jewellersself-evaluations of their Tiffany jewelryinternal controls,tiffany silver publish an evaluation Tiffany Braceletreport on an annual Tiffany Earringsbasis and hireTiffany rings qualified agenciesray ban sunglasses to audit theaviator sunglasses effectiveness ray ban wayfarerof theirray ban aviator internal ghdcontrols. The Basic Standardghd will apply to ghd hair straightenersover 900 companies ghd straightenerslisted on ghd hair ironthe Shanghai Stock Exchange ghd hair curlsand about 800 companies ghdlisted on the ghd hair straightenersShenzhen Stockghd straighteners Exchange.The backbone ghd hair ironof Basic Standard ghd hair curlsfor Enterprise ray ban sunglassesInternal Control is the COSOray ban aviator sunglasses risk framework, which establishes a broad definitionray ban sunglasses store of internal control extending to all parts of an organization. It lists five key control elements:

Comment of ljhha (2009-07-09 02:57:46):
Include thereplica handbags five controlreplica watches elements whenDesigner clothing establishing and Designer replica handbagsimplementingWholesale jewelry effectiveReplica rolex watches internal replica handbagcontrol ? EstablishReplica Handbags and implement Replica Watchesinternal control replica designer handbagspolicies ? EstablishCoach Handbags a suitable Gucci Handbagsbusiness Rolex Watchesmanagementhair straighteners information technologyGHD system with embedded chi hair straightenerscontrols ? Set Ladies Shopclear policies Women Shopon the rewards replica handbagsandwholesale handbags disciplines related replica designer handbagsto the properGucci Handbags implementation replica prada handbagsof internal control.replica watch Effectiveness of swiss replica watchesinternal control replica rolex watchesimplementationwholesale omega watches shouldpuma shoes be treatednike shoes as a keywomens clothes element of performanceed hardy clothing appraisalsAdidas Shoes forlacoste Clothes department wholesale clothingand staff wholesale handbagslevels ? Perform ghd hair straightenersself-assessment ofghd straighteners the effectiveness of its internal control ghdon a periodic basis and issue control self-assessment reports

Comment of adsad (2009-07-20 03:30:18):
MY wow power leveling BUY wow gold good wow power leveling buy wow gold my wow power leveling cheap wow gold cheap wow power leveling buy wow gold

Comment of ugg boots on sale (2009-11-23 18:50:48):
Ugg Classic Cardy Boots Ugg Classic Tall Boots Ugg Classic Short Boots

Comment of topuggshoes (2009-11-30 20:33:37):
Ugg Classic Tall Boots Ugg Classic Short Boots Ugg Classic Mini Boots Ugg new styles

Comment of hanyu (2009-12-04 00:31:47):
Support of the Lou Zhu, Lou Zhu worked hard Signature-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. ugg bailey button ugg classic cardy

Comment of Cheap Timberland Boots (2010-03-24 21:27:36):
If you want to buy a pair of Cheap Timberland Boots,we are strongly recommend the Mens Timberland Chukka Boots, Timberland Classic Boots,Timberland Roll Top Boots,our timberland boots are hot on sale now,if you are still want to buy a pair of timberland boots,please be quickly,welcome to your inquiring.More you order,more discount you got,shopping now!

Comment of LONGYIJU (2010-03-25 20:48:27):
MBT shoes, want to help people around the world have a more healthy, mbt shoesactive and happy life. MBT believe that human fitness mbt shoe and health to a large extent affected by the walk way, this view has been confirmed by a mbt chapa number of scientific studies. Therefore, attempts through the dissemination of MBT shoes,MBT Chapa MBT fitness ideas and concepts to awaken and MBT lami strengthen the people's right in line with physiological understanding of the way on foot MBT Walk and in a direct, simple way would be consistent with the right physiological benefits of us all on foot.MBT Sport How to improve the health of MBT shoes: You can lead the body movements. Encourage the use of neglected muscle; to improve posture and gait; to adjust and get in shape; to help improve the back, buttocks, MBT Trainers legs and foot problems; help joints, muscles, ligaments and tendon injury recovery; reduce knee and bone joints pressure.

Comment of paul smith clothing (2010-04-25 21:47:22):
Paul Smith character is the most classical color of the car, stripes of color.Paul Smith collections are popular with all over the world. Inculding:Paul Smith clothing,Paul Smith bag,Paul Smith shoes,paul smith cufflinks and Paul Smith accessories,ect. Paul Smith sale keeps rising forever. Every collectiion is the latest England style. And the meterial of clothing and shoes are all selected from Englan and France.

Comment of ml (2010-04-27 21:04:54):
skechers shape ups shoes skechers shape ups shoes shape ups shoes shape ups shoes shape up shoes shape up shoes MLB jerseys MLB jerseys cheap MLB jerseys cheap MLB jerseys MLB jersey MLB jersey wholesale mlb jerseys wholesale mlb jerseys discount mlb jerseys discount mlb jerseys replica mlb jerseys replica mlb jerseys GHD GHD GHD Hair Straighteners GHD Hair Straighteners GHD Straighteners GHD Straighteners MBT shoes MBT shoes MBT mbt discount mbt shoes discount mbt shoes ghd hair straighteners wholesale GHD hair straighteners wholesale cheap ghd straighteners cheap GHD straighteners Buy Cheap GHD MK4 buy cheap ghd MK4 chi chi chi hair straightener chi hair straightener chi flat iron chi flat iron shape ups shoes wholesale shape ups shoes wholesale cheap skechers shape ups shoes cheap skechers shape ups shoes discount shape up shoes discount shape up shoes wholesale mbt shoes wholesale mbt shoes mbt shoes mbt shoes cheap mbt shoes cheap mbt shoes reebok easytone reebok easytone reebok easytone shoes reebok easytone shoes reebok easy tone Reebok easy tone reebok wholesale reebok wholesale reebok easytone wholesale reebok easytone wholesale wholesale reebok shoes wholesale reebok shoes tory burch tory burch tory burch shoes tory burch shoes vibram five fingers vibram five fingers vibram five finger shoes vibram five finger shoes five finger shoes five finger shoes nfl jerseys nfl jerseys nfl jerseys wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale cheap nfl jerseys cheap nfl jerseys christian louboutin christian louboutin christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin boots christian louboutin boots ed hardy Ed Hardy ed hardy clothing ed hardy clothing ed hardy shoes ed hardy shoes ed hardy ED Hardy ed hardy bikini ed hardy bikini ed hardy t-shirts ed hardy t-shirts Jordan shoes Jordan Shoes Nike Air Jordan Shoes Nike Air Jordan Shoes Air Force One Air Force One mlb trade rumors mlb trade rumors skechers develops skechers develops reebok careers reebok careers cheap car insurance cheap car insurance home loans home loans

Comment of mbt shoes on sale (2010-04-30 03:16:27):
MBT Shoes On Sale,Buy Cheap MBT Chapa Shoes,MBT Lami Shoes,Free shipping and nontax,only need 1 week to your door!More you order,more discount you got,purchasing now!

Comment of air max shoes (2010-05-11 04:57:07):
To keep up with the latest trend in fashion,Nike inc have another baby Series was born,It was the nike air max 2010 and nike air max 2012 and new nike air max 2009 shoes,air max 2010,air max 2012 and air max 2009 faced to the people,especially for athletes,lighter weight and staying closer to the ground,Ensure that those good players can be lightweight and stable movement on the field.Therefore, was very popular in latest year,through the market research,womens air max 2009,womens air max 2010 and womens air max 2012 are sold very well,not for the reputation of Nike inc,but the quality and beautiful design.The uppers on air max shoes were made of Duromesh,synthetic suede and synthetic leather.on womens air max my website,you can find many new air max shoes,such as nike air max 87,womens air max 90,kids air max 90, nike air max 95,womens air max ltd,air max tn,nike air max classic BW,womens air max classic BW and so on.When you visit my website,you can find many high quality shoes and wholesale prices.Nike air max shoes material is quite Authentic the effect is obvious:jump higher,walk comfortablely, and you will be full of confidence everywhere.If you do not have a pair of satisfaction women air max shoes,women air max 90,womens air max 2007 and air max 87 are your best choose.Also,if you like to play basketball,you can see NBA basketball shes,such asnike lebron vii shoes and kobe v shoes.On my website all nike air max are high quality ,best price and good service....

Comment of cheap eveing dresses (2010-05-12 11:27:44):
zhu zhu pets sexy lingeries designer wedding dresses lovely-kit sexy underwear zhu zhu pets hamsters cheap zhu zhu pets 2010 oscar evening dresses evening dresses mother of bride dress designer oscar evening dresses discount oscar evening dresses sensual attire sexy pantyhose cheap oscar evening dresses oscar evening dresses on sale designer wedding gowns discount zhu zhu pets wedding dress designers discount wedding dresses cheap evening dresses discount designer wedding dress discount evening dresses designer evening dresses discount bridal gowns discount designer evening gowns wedding dresses designer mermaid dresses mermaid dresses for cheap mermaid gowns mermaid wedding dress mother of bride dresses mother of the bride dresses pictures of evening gowns pioneer dress for sale pioneer dresses cheap prom dresses 2010 prom dresses in china quality designer evening gowns romantic white evening gowns short casual vintage wedding dresses short wedding dresses short white wedding dresses in sale wedding dresses designer discount wedding dresses designers wedding dresses discount wedding dresses gown design wedding dresses models wedding dresses online wedding dresses stores wedding dresses uk designer western wedding dresses whole sale evening dresses modest wedding dresses wedding dresses cheap wedding dresses in silver cheap corset top prom dresses cheap designer evening couture dresses cheap evening dresses long sleeves designer long ball dresses designer mermaid dresses designer wedding dress designer wedding gowns discount designers wedding dresses designer dresses for mother of the bride designer wedding gowns discounted discount ball gowns discount custom fit bridemaid dresses discount designer bridal dresses discount designer wedding gowns discount evening dress petite discount formal bustle ball gowns discount mermaid dresses discount mermaid wedding dresses discount wedding dress discount wedding gowns discounted designer wedding gowns discounted designers bridal gowns dresses model dresses evening formai dresses online uk elegant wedding gowns evening dresses for sale evening dresses uk evening gown dress evening gowns with sleeves beaded evening wear without models expensive womens dresses plus size fashion designer alex evenings gown celebrity evening dresses gown mermaid advice gowns designers moto inexpensive elegant evening dress inexpensive mermaid wedding dresses long evening dresses low cost flower girl dresses blue mother of the bride dresses very cheap prom dresses very cheap evening dresses very very cheap flower girl dresses vintage wedding dresses vintage wedding gowns for sale wedding dress designer affordable 2010 prom dresses affordable evening gowns affordable wedding dresses australian designer wedding dresses australian wedding dress designers awesome prom dress designers ball gown wedding dresses pictures ball gown wedding dresses bargain wedding dresses black corset wedding dress red corset wedding dress blue corset wedding dress bridal dress britsh fashion prom dresses celebrity wedding gowns discounted cheap mermaid dresses cheap mermaid gowns cheap mermaid prom dresses cheap prom dresses for sale cheap wedding items for sale corset evening dresses corset evening gowns corset wedding dresses corset western dress custom made designer evening gowns custom wedding dress discount wedding gowns designer ball gowns designer ball gowns discounted price designer bridal gowns designer dresses uk

Comment of FDAGDG (2010-05-14 00:56:22):
nfl jerseys nfl jerseys nfl jerseys nfl jerseys nfl jerseys nfl jerseys

Comment of air max shoes (2010-05-14 05:22:03):
To keep up with the latest trend in fashion,Nike inc have another baby Series was born,It was the nike air max 2010 and nike air max 2012 and new nike air max 2009 shoes,air max 2010,air max 2012 and air max 2009 faced to the people,especially for athletes,lighter weight and staying closer to the ground,Ensure that those good players can be lightweight and stable movement on the field.Therefore, was very popular in latest year,through the market research,womens air max 2009,womens air max 2010 and womens air max 2012 are sold very well,not for the reputation of Nike inc,but the quality and beautiful design.The uppers on air max shoes were made of Duromesh,synthetic suede and synthetic leather.on womens air max my website,you can find many new air max shoes,such as nike air max 87,womens air max 90,kids air max 90, nike air max 95,womens air max ltd,air max tn,nike air max classic BW,womens air max classic BW and so on.When you visit my website,you can find many high quality shoes and wholesale prices.Nike air max shoes material is quite Authentic the effect is obvious:jump higher,walk comfortablely, and you will be full of confidence everywhere.If you do not have a pair of satisfaction women air max shoes,women air max 90,womens air max 2007 and air max 87 are your best choose.Also,if you like to play basketball,you can see NBA basketball shes,such asnike lebron vii shoes and kobe v shoes.On my website all nike air max are high quality ,best price and good service....

Comment of Birkenstock (2010-06-04 04:10:32):
Birkentstock has over 200 years' history, is famous as its healthy and confort shoes.Nowadays, it is popular all over the world.
Everyone need to have a pair of Birkenstock shoes, especial the Birkenstock sandals,Birkenstock gizeh.Buy birkenstocks on http://www.digdig-birkenstock.com, we are the largest and best online shop of Birkenstock.

Comment of gucci sneakers (2010-06-13 22:14:06):
gucci outlet I have called numerous gucci sneakers bike shops in Honolulu and they are all rented. gucci handbags sale If you have 2 road bikes available gucci handbags from May 15th to May 19 available we would be GRATEFUL gucci men shoes if you would be willing to rent them to us. discount gucci handbags|gucci accessories We are traveling from Canada.!gucci wallets and gucci jewelry|sunglasses outlet|gucci underwear.

Comment of COACH BAGS (2010-06-17 02:24:11):
A Vibram FiveFingers is one of very few designer Vibram Five Fingers that still maintain their Timberland Shoes that shows ghd straighteners on sale off a woman as Coach Bags, fluid and voguish. When one Chanel Bags the handbag, they definitely buy Louis Vuitton Bags that is quality guaranteed in which the Prada Bags, color, texture and the Gucci Bags are identical in design, inside and UGG Sandals. Not to mention the MBT Sandals is handpicked by the MBT Shoes only from the top 10% that are produced for Chanel Jewelry. Coach bags come in an assortment of colors, Ray Ban Sunglasses outlet, sizes and styles giving MBT Shoes the option of selecting exactly what you want MBT Sandals is suitable for any occasion.

Comment of kingjun (2010-06-19 23:43:25):
christian louboutin pump christian louboutin pumps christian louboutin pump christian louboutin pumps christian louboutin pumps christian louboutin pump christian louboutin pumps christian louboutin pump christian louboutin pump christian louboutin pumps christian louboutin

Comment of kingjun (2010-06-20 07:01:33):
christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin sandal christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin slingback christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin shoes christian louboutin shoes

Comment of Vibram FiveFingers (2010-06-29 03:39:45):
A Vibram FiveFingers is one of very few designer Vibram Five Fingers that still maintain their Timberland Shoes that shows ghd straighteners on sale off a woman as Coach Bags, fluid and voguish. When one Chanel Bags the handbag, they definitely buy Louis Vuitton Bags that is quality guaranteed in which the Prada Bags, color, texture and the Gucci Bags are identical in design, inside and UGG Sandals. Not to mention the MBT Sandals is handpicked by the MBT Shoes only from the top 10% that are produced for Chanel Jewelry. Coach bags come in an assortment of colors, Ray Ban Sunglasses outlet, sizes and styles giving MBT Shoes the option of selecting exactly what you want MBT Sandals is suitable for any occasion.

Comment of mbt shoes (2010-07-05 00:51:29):
if you buymbt shoes you will likembt lami andmbt lami shoes ormbt m.walk formbt m.walk shoes butMBT Chapa is morembt chapa shoes thanMBT Kaya thatmbt kaya shoes goodcheap mbt lami shoes stuffdiscount mbt lami shoes todaycheap mbt m.walk shoes bestdiscount mbt m.walk shoes onlinecheap MBT Chapa shoes salediscount mbt chapa shoes things ischeap mbt kaya shoes anddiscount mbt kaya shoes

Comment of ghd straighteners (2010-07-07 03:17:23):
GHD straighteners was kmown as ghd flat iron, which was authorized online seller provides all kinds of hair straighteners,pink ghd,purple ghd,babyliss. By visiting ghd australia.Come and join us http://www.ghdoutlet-au.com/ to win the ghd iv styler.