Root Care When Transplanting
- 1). Transplant plants that haven't yet flowered or set fruit, so they can devote their energy to developing roots quickly following transplantation. Only after they become established can the plants' roots support crops.
- 2). Harden your seedlings off before transplanting them outside. Over the course of a week, gradually leave the young plants outside for longer periods of time. Start out by placing them in the shade and increase their exposure to the sun as the days pass. Allow the soil surface to dry during this period, but irrigate the plants before they wilt.
- 3). Water your transplant to hydrate its roots before putting it in the ground. Prepare the soil and dig the hole prior to taking the plant out of the pot to prevent the roots from drying. Once transplanted, keep the seedling moist to the root zone until it shows new growth. In particular, water balled-and-burlapped trees to the root zone frequently. The moisture helps them recover from losing about 10 percent of their root systems when they're dug for sale.
- 4). Select a high-phosphorous fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply it at transplanting. Phosphorous is the main nutrient required for root development.
- 5). Examine the roots of container-grown plants. If they are growing in circles, a condition known as root bound, slash them horizontally about 2 inches deep into the root ball in three or four places. Use your hands to loosen the roots before planting.
- 6). Transplant trees into holes that are three to five times wider than their root balls. Don't mix organic or synthetic fertilizers with the topsoil you'll use to refill the hole; this will prevent root injury.
