Transplanting - The Fine Art of Plant Massage

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Transplanting Independence Gardens Portland, OR January 2012 © Independence Gardens LLC Download the handout that goes along with this slideshow! hp://bit.ly/wZu6AA Tuesday, January 31, 2012

description

When it’s time to start transitioning those starts that you’ve lovingly nurtured and protected to the great outdoors, it’s time for this class! Participants will learn why some plants grow better from starts instead of seeds, and receive guidance on timing; hands-on practice with transplanting techniques will be emphasized. Participants will leave with at least one start to transplant into their own garden space.

Transcript of Transplanting - The Fine Art of Plant Massage

Page 1: Transplanting - The Fine Art of Plant Massage

TransplantingIndependence Gardens

Portland, OR

January 2012© Independence Gardens LLC

Download the handout that goes along with

this slideshow!h!p://bit.ly/wZu6AA

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

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What We’ll Cover TodayIntro

we are Independence Gardens• We build raised beds, chicken coops,

& other garden infrastructure• Develop permaculture site designs• Help with garden planning, prep, and

installation

• Teach edible gardening classes• & make Doo Tees!

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Topics We’ll Cover• Basic plant needs• How transplanting works

• Reasons for transplanting• Basic best practices

• Stress prevention/reduction• Up-po!ing• Planting out

• Hardening off• Post-transplant care

What We’ll Cover TodayPreview

Got Questions? Please ask as we go along.

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Basic plant needs

• Relevant plant parts– Roots are sensitive and can be harmed by poor transplanting technique

• Food:– N– P– K

• Water:– Transplant shock

• Shelter:– Transitions are hard

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How does transplanting work?

• Plants develop to a certain point in one location…and then you move them!

• #is can be one of the most stressful experiences of a young plant’s life

– Transplant shock

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Why transplant?

• Reasons– Pu!ing in plants that are new to your garden– Moving plants to more favorable locations– Ge!ing plants out of too-small containers into bigger ones– Relocating plants that are grown indoors to the OUTDOORS!

• Timing– In the edible garden, lots around April 15 (our last frost date)

• Conditions– Early morning, at night, or on a cloudy day—or in an area where

you’ve created shade/shelter for your new transplants

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Best practices

• Create a favorable soil environment • Transplant when it’s damp/cool• Avoid root disturbance

– Don’t let roots dry out– Be gentle with the roots when untangling root-bound mats

• Transplant to the right depth• Make sure that only one plant from the original container gets

transplanted to the new pot/garden space– If there are more, snip all but the healthiest one off at the soil line

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• Stress is bad• Avoid causing it• Do your best to remedy it if

it’s already happened

Goal #1: Stress prevention!

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• Stress is bad• Avoid causing it• Do your best to remedy it if

it’s already happened

Goal #2: Stress reduction!

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• If a plant has outgrown its container but isn’t mature enough to go outside

• Or the conditions aren’t yet right

Up-po!ing

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers, inverting the container

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers, inverting the container

4. Set plant on top of %lled-in soil; %ll the voids in the pot with moistened soil, then press down %rmly so soil is evenly compressed

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers, inverting the container

4. Set plant on top of %lled-in soil; %ll the voids in the pot with moistened soil, then press down %rmly so soil is evenly compressed

5. Water well...

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers, inverting the container

4. Set plant on top of %lled-in soil; %ll the voids in the pot with moistened soil, then press down %rmly so soil is evenly compressed

5. Water well...

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Step-by-step: Up-po!ing

1. Moisten po!ing soil to be wet, not soaking—the consistency of a wrung-out sponge

2. Fill your new container with %rmed-down soil so that when the plant with its old rootball is set on top, the base of the stem will be at the level of or just below the top

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers, inverting the container

4. Set plant on top of %lled-in soil; %ll the voids in the pot with moistened soil, then press down %rmly so soil is evenly compressed

5. Water well...

Reminder: Know the ingredients of your po!ing soil; if it contains fertilizer, don’t add more.

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• When a plant is ready to be outdoors

• And the conditions are right– Weather can be a challenge, so

protect your new plantings

Planting out

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Step-by-step: Planting out

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

2. Dig a hole in the ground about 2x the diameter and same depth of the plant’s rootball

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

2. Dig a hole in the ground about 2x the diameter and same depth of the plant’s rootball

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers (assuming it’s small enough), inverting the container so the plant is below your hand and the rootball in your palm

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

2. Dig a hole in the ground about 2x the diameter and same depth of the plant’s rootball

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers (assuming it’s small enough), inverting the container so the plant is below your hand and the rootball in your palm

4. Place plant in the hole and %ll in sides with loose soil; press down %rmly

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

2. Dig a hole in the ground about 2x the diameter and same depth of the plant’s rootball

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers (assuming it’s small enough), inverting the container so the plant is below your hand and the rootball in your palm

4. Place plant in the hole and %ll in sides with loose soil; press down %rmly5. Top-dress with compost in a halo/donut at the dripline of the plant

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Step-by-step: Planting out

1. Prepare the soil: if the area has not been cultivated before, double dig (this loosens and aerates the soil, creates consistent soil texture, improves drainage, and stimulates microorganism activity); if it is an established bed, go to the second step!

2. Dig a hole in the ground about 2x the diameter and same depth of the plant’s rootball

3. Remove plant gently from current container by squeezing sides and, while holding its stem between your index and middle %ngers (assuming it’s small enough), inverting the container so the plant is below your hand and the rootball in your palm

4. Place plant in the hole and %ll in sides with loose soil; press down %rmly5. Top-dress with compost in a halo/donut at the dripline of the plant6. Water in!

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Hardening off

• Give plants time to acclimate to new conditions

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1. You can harden off before and/or a#er transplanting; we recommend both2. Take plant in its old container outside (or uncover) during favorable

conditions (during the day, overcast & mild - not too sunny/rainy/windy)

3. Bring plant inside (or cover with row cover or shade cloth) during less favorable conditions (at night, when it’s too bright/cold/hot)

4. Repeat until the plant is acclimated (usually 2 days-1 week), then put it in the ground

5. Keep up a sheltering routine for a similar length of time a!er transplant

Reminder: Exact strategy depends on timing, weather conditions and plant type & health.

Step-by-step: Hardening off

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• Provide extra shelter and protection from other damage– Some trees should be staked

• Fertigate (water + fertilize)– Add P– Wait a li!le while to add N

• Continue to water consistently

Post-transplant care

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Next steps for you

• Practice!!

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Questions?

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