Transplanting Peppers and Tomatoes

Transplanting peppers and tomatoes is a stressful point and these tips will give you the best chances for positive results. For most gardeners there are two types of transplanting, Indoor and Outdoor. Usually started by seed, in indoor transplanting you have control over the environment, temperature and airflow. This gives your plants the ability to flourish in the early stages. Transplanting peppers is usually done when they start to grow their second set of true leaves. The first sprouting set doesn’t count as a “true leaf”. Once your plants are growing comfortably you can introduce a fan to create wind, on a low speed not directed at your plants. This allows a stronger plant and root system to be in place for the transplant to outdoor living. Unfortunately transplanting peppers and tomatoes can be heartbreaking when the weather is less than co-operative. Just last year we had frost in June, but luckily I was well prepared and we were able to save a large portion of our crops. These simple tricks and tips can make everything easier.

Transplant Peppers and Tomatoes Tips

• Transplant after last frost. Doming and covering can help protect in cases of eager planting.

• Allow the soil to dry prior to transplanting and give at least a full day of no water to prepare. Especially with early transplants as wet soil is heavy and tends to fall apart which damages and exposes the roots adding stress to the plant.

• After transplanting, water with 3% hydrogen peroxide mix(5ml to 250ml water). The extra oxygen molecule gives your roots a boost as well as discourages unwanted bacteria and fungi.

• Use a vented dome on new transplants to ease the transition. Keep it closed on the first day or two, and then open to allow air circulation.

• Tomatoes grow roots from the main stalk hairs when buried. When transplanting, the deeper you bury your tomato the more roots will grow and the more robust your plant will be.

• 3% Peroxide protects against root rot and encourages healthy root growth. 1 tablespoon peroxide to 1 cup water in a spray bottle or 4 Tbsp per liter for soil.

• Epsom salts add a great magnesium boost for both tomatoes and peppers

When Transitioning to Outdoor

There are lots of options when transitioning your plants from the comforts of indoor living. Here are some simple cost efficient ways to keep it easy on them.

• Reduce your indoor temperature. Lowering your temperature allows your plants to build strength and resistance to the cold.

• Adding rotational winds builds stalk strength in your plants. Always start any fans on the low setting and allow plenty of space between the fan and your plants. When first introducing a fan only keep it on for short periods and be watchful for any stress or drooping in your plants.

• Create a dome or mini greenhouse within your garden plots. Almost anything clear can become a mini dome or greenhouse. Glass jars, plastic pop bottles, even old single pane windows can allow you to plant a little earlier in the season.

• Rotational and sheltered exposure to the outdoors for a couple hours , a couple times a day. Sheltering your smaller plants within a deeper pot or container allows the plant to be partially protected. Increasing the resilience of your plant.
• Add worm castings at the base of your transplant once finished. Worm castings are the ideal nutrient to use because there is no risk to overfeeding or nutrient burn caused from other plant foods. Every garden needs worm castings, and it can get expensive. Luckily it’s cheap and easy to do yourself. Here’s a guide that will show you how to make your own worm castings .

These are just a few ways to harden your plants up and prepare for the transplant to outdoor living, while extending your growing season and increasing your harvest. Happy Growing!!!

Growing your own food can help save the planet.