Jordan Freytag
Transplant shock happens to your seedlings when they undergo stress during the transplanting process from indoor growing conditions to the ground and the unpredictable climate outside. Many times it is caused by the roots being "shocked" by the transplanting process, specifically to the tiny root hairs that absorb water. Another cause can be the drastic temperature change from controlled indoor growing conditions to the ground, placed into too small of a hole or in need of water. The same goes for planting in baskets and containers as well.
The stresses can escalate exponentially if left untreated. Transplant shock is common, nearly unavoidable, but ranges from mild to severe and plants that experience it CAN quickly recover. Signs of transplant shock are inhibited growth and reduced vigor. Your plants may appear shriveled or wilted, or they may possibly turn yellow. But all is not lost! You can still aid them back to life!
One of the best ways to avoid it is to check the last frost date of your region—and then double check it. On top of that, we believe it is good to prepare your garden beds by de-weeding and de-stoning it as much as possible and mixing in compost and/or top soil, so you are left with lush, nutritious soil for growth. And most importantly, hardening off your seedlings for at least two weeks before transplanting. Read more about the process of "hardening off". Lack of hardening off raises the chance for shock and plant death.
There are several steps to solving transplant shock issues. One of them is to cut back some of the foliage to allow more energy to go to the struggling root system. Another is to water heavily because a plant in shock will drink up more water, and to lay straw, mulch, or wood chips around the plant to keep soil moist.
But we find the best way to protect your plants at night from experiencing more transplant shock is using plant protector, such as the Solar Cone and Solar Cap, or grow cloths such as The Weather Shield, depending on what you are growing. The best part about these plant protectors is you can use them season after season on different crops!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
6 comments
Ann Hupe
Can you get those photos linked in? It would be nice to see what helps transplant shock.
Susie
I harden off my tomato seedlings (sometimes for not as long as I should) before planting them in the garden but we have lots of wind here in the spring and occasional lows in the upper 30s. I’ve collected the plastic containers that plants and shrubs come in and put those over my young tomato plants with a rock on top when we get strong winds. Yes, I’m out there putting them on and off several times but that helps keep the plants healthy until they are strong enough to handle the crazy weather here, otherwise the wind would kill most of them.
Peacetou
For years, we have saved gallon milk jugs (washed and dried); cut the bottom out; and used them to cover newly transplanted plants (tops of jugs off to vent increased daytime temps)until they are well established. Frost threatens? Put the caps on for the night, remove before the day warms. Mini greenhouses. Bank the earth or mulch around the bottom to secure if wind is a problem in your area. Almost never a problem with shock if moisture / mulch needs met.
Rafer
soil temperature is also important when planting a garden, therefore for most veggies I wait until around May 1 to plant my seeds and plants. you can find a soil temperature planting chart for most garden veggies on line.
Rafer
soil temperature is also important when planting a garden, therefore for most veggies I wait until around May 1 to plant my seeds and plants. you can find a soil temperature planting chart for most garden veggies on line.
Jenn
I put tomatoes out earlier than usual by using 20 gallon pots with cages built in (or using an upside down cage works well) Then I wrap the whole cage in a big roll of cling wrap I bought at the hardware store. This year I’ve put a reemay “lid” on the cage as well. I poke a hole in the side of the plastic for watering. This creates an individual cloche or greenhouse for each plant and it works great for me here in pacific Washington, since we have a short growing season.
Further Reading
10 Natives of the Southwest USA for Pest Control
Written By Lara Wadsworth The Southwestern United States is a region incredibly unique to the rest of the country. The hot, dry weather can be challenging for plants and animals to thrive without additional help. That is why gardening with natives can ...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-157 min read0Spring Into Action - Celebrating Earth Day
Written By Chelsea Hafer Spring is quickly arriving, and that means that Earth Day is near! Earth Day is the perfect occasion to appreciate our wonderful planet and all that it does for us and think of ways you can give back to it. In this blog post, w...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-154 min read0Everything You Need To Know About Rain Gardens
Written By Lara Wadsworth Rain gardens are quickly gaining popularity for their perfect marriage of utility and beauty. What simply looks like a beautifully landscaped garden is actually a native habitat that serves as a storm drain and water sponge. B...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-085 min read1Northeastern Natives for Attracting Beneficial Insects
Written By Lara Wadsworth The Northeastern United States is rich with American history, but did you also know that it is rich in plant biodiversity? Nature has learned through time how to work in harmony with the various species that attempt to thrive....
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-086 min read1