Transplants

• These can be plants started in the classroom from seeds or plants purchased from a nursery.
• Transplants (or seedlings) get the garden off to a faster start because the seeds are started 4-8 weeks earlier than seeds could be planted in the garden in the spring.
• The garden bed should be moist but not saturated when planting the seedlings. A hole about the size of the seedling root ball should be dug with a trowel. Remove the seedling from the container, keeping the root ball intact. The plants should be gently watered in to help establish the root system. A half-strength solution of plant food or starter fertilizer should be included in this watering to get the plants off to a good start. Always check the directions for use on the plant-food container.
• Keep a close watch for snails and other insects. Pick off and destroy them.