Transplant Shock and How to avoid It

Transplant Herbs Successfully

By Amy Jeanroy, About.com

Throughout the growing season, transplanting herbs is a great way to keep the garden looking fresh and full. Transplanting can also save you money, if you propagate new plants and then add them to your garden landscape for free.

There are some guidelines that need to be followed, in order to avoid transplant shock, allow your herbs to thrive in the garden. There is more to it than just pushing a seedling into the dirt.

What Can Go Wrong?

All plants, from herb to flower, hate to be shocked. They need time to become acclimated to their new surroundings, no matter if they are coming into or out of the garden. A shocked plant will wilt, become sun burnt and die, no matter how rich the soil or optimal the growing conditions.

How To Avoid Transplant Shock

To avoid transplant shock, give your herbs the time they need to become used to the move. About a week before you are moving them from indoors to the garden, place them outside, but in a sheltered location. Take them back inside during the nighttime.

By the end of the week, you can safely leave them outside all night long, but be sure to water them at least once a day – more than likely you will be watering even more often if they are in small cell pots.

Now Can I Plant Them?

Finally, your plants are truly ready to be planted outside. Try to choose a day that is neither too hot or cold, avoid a scorching hot day, and never plant in the rain. The best sort of day is one that is calm and warm, later in the day so the soil is warm but the sun is not directly overhead.

Water the hole before you place the herb into it. Also, be sure your potted herb is moist and not rootbound. Make a hole the size of the root and insert the plant. Fill the rest of the hole with soil and press around the base to be sure the herb has made contact completely with the ground. Water again and then mulch.