transplanting seedlings

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gadairyqueen Waynesboro, GA Mar 13, 2011

When my seeds get their 2nd set of true leaves is when I'm supposed to transplant them to larger pots, right? Then, do I still need to use seed starting mix, or can I put my seed with the seed starting mix into a pot of potting soil? Thanks!

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Mar 14, 2011

You can use regular potting soil. Just remember to "harden off" your seedlings.

http://www.ehow.com/how_12178_transplant-seedlings.html

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Mar 17, 2011

To be clear, you need to harden off the seedlings before placing them outdoors (unless they were grown in a greenhouse or cold frame); if you are just "potting on" inside, it's not necessary. "Hardening off" refers to accustoming the seedlings to sunlight.

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cathy166 Stamford, CT(Zone 6b) Mar 20, 2011

I always thought hardening off was for night temps. When I buy delicate herbs, I have to take them in at night till the nights warm up.

Our tomato seedlings have been on vacation for a few hours each day where they get a lot of sunlight and seem to be loving it. We bring them in at night from their warm daytime relaxation. Two hours of sunlight is more than I can give the plants all day with a full spectrum of artificial light.

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Mar 20, 2011

No, freezing temperatures are one thing... hardening off is another. Seedlings/house plants that have been raised indoors will be burned if they are thrown out in full sunlight without conditioning (that is, hardening off)... the leaves turn white and die.

This message was edited Mar 20, 2011 9:46 PM

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cathy166 Stamford, CT(Zone 6b) Mar 20, 2011

Thanks, alta, I guess we're conditioning them now. I hope we're doing it right. They seem to be loving the light for a few hours a day. We alternate the trays and put them on the dashboard of the car (in the driveway), kind of like a greenhouse. Will I know if it's too much light? The only things we start this early are tomatoes and a few other vegetables.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Mar 21, 2011

The link posted above discusses hardening off and offers methods for doing so.

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Mar 21, 2011

Providing night temperatures are above freezing, seedlings can be hardened off much more easily than suggested in the article by just setting them in the shade for a week, and avoiding all the hauling around that is suggested... even shade outdoors has greater intensity than indoor light.

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