Transplanting Plants

Now that we have learned to build a garden bed, let's talk about how to transplant our plants. For this example, I am going to use a flower, but the same basic concept applies to vegetable starters as well. You will need a garden trowel, the plant you wish to transplant, and your soil-filled garden bed.

1. Garden trowel
2. The plant you wish to transplant
3. Soil-filled garden bed

Using your trowel, measure the depth at which you will need to dig.

Dig a hole as deep and wide as the nursery pot the plant is currently in. If you're unsure if your hole is deep or wide enough, simply dry fit your plant into the hole. This can be done by gently placing the plant (nursery pot and all) into the hole to see if it is big enough.

If it is not big enough keep digging.

If it is big enough, move on to the next step.

Gently squeeze the sides of the nursery pot to loosen the pot from the soil. This makes for smooth removal.

Pro-tip: Be sure that the soil in the nursery pot is not wet. This will help the removal process.

Gently tip the plant sideways and pull it out of the container. If it is not coming out easily, squeeze the sides again and check to see if there are any roots peeking out of the bottom. These roots can be poked back into the container and the plant will slide out with less stress on the plant.

Fully remove the plant from the container. Once you have done this, you are ready to place the plant in the hole that you created earlier.

Gently place the plant into the hole. Fill in any gaps with the soil you removed when digging. Gently pack the soil around the plant. I like to think that I am giving the plant a warm soil hug. Happy plants grow better. Be sure to water the plant to help avoid any shock the plant may experience after transplanting.