How to Transplant Seedlings Indoors

Your seeds germinated and now it's time to pot the small plants. Before transplanting into the garden, many plants need a brief period in pots. Gardener Scott demonstrates and discusses different methods of how to transplant seedlings indoors. (Video #256)
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[@ericaroberts3919]

Gardener Scott is the Bob Ross of plants. I watch the videos for those dulcet tones, then come away realizing I've actually learned a lot

[@rcolorado2364]

Absolutely Erica! One of my favorite gardening channels because of his great personality and his gentle attitude.

[@trudysfun]

It's nice to see a tray on KZbin with less than 100% germination. I rarely have a tray with every cell germinated. It seems like some other gardening channels are just "made for television" whereas your channel is the real deal! Love your work Gardener Scott!

[@garynorcal4269]

I enjoy that you respect that different gardeners use different techniques. Your inclusive techniques for up planting from pellets 1. In the pellet 2. Out of the mesh 3. Out of the mesh and split into parts 4. Mesh torn open for root development. You allow your viewers to see and evaluate the available options and what works for them. In my case, I have learned that I need to remove or cut the mesh for better root development.

[@jenjoy4353]

I have found the same. My seedlings did not do well unless I tore the mesh away

[@TheMrsMarvel]

A lunchroom spork is a GENIUS idea for prying out seedlings lol

[@andrealane3180]

I really appreciate this t-shirt. I have always struggled to trim off the weaker plants so that the others may thrive. Today, I was struggling with 3 pepper sprouts in a 1 inch starter pod. I really didn't want to kill the 2 smaller sprouts, even though I knew they needed to go. I thought about this t-shirt and did what I needed to do. Thanks! Also - I could listen to your voice all day - so calming!

[@royalicing8603]

You are SO RIGHT! I love the peat pellets, but they DO NOT degrade like they say they do! I start hundreds of plants in my greenhouse and use the pellets for 'most' of my seeds, however, I ALWAYS take the time (it really doesn't take much more time) to remove the mesh from my plants before up-potting them into larger containers. The first year I used the pellets I didn't remove the mesh. It turned out to be disastrous! It actually stunted some of my plants with delicate roots! Plus, the mesh certainly didn't decompose, even by the next spring. In fact, a few years later I still run across a mesh casing in my garden. A concern may be that you can damage roots that have poked thru the mesh when removing the mesh...but I simply take a small sizzors and literally cut around the roots, leaving a small piece of mesh on. Anyhoo, just thought I'd share that! 😀 I love your channel Scott and always look forward to your new videos! ❤

[@theelpydimension]

Working in the garden this spring I too found mesh from last year's peat pellets. 🤔

[@lar113]

Thank you for this video. I am using both methods for seed starting, peat pots and regular cells. I hope to be potting up my hot peppers from the peat pots today. I will be removing the fabric this year.

[@christytolliver7700]

I thoroughly enjoy how well you explain everything! Your shirt is great!

[@tamararoberts9307]

You're a great teacher! I always learn from you, thank you Gardener Scott

[@lynnchantler96]

Great explanations and demonstrations, Gardener Scott. I appreciate your thorough teaching and ability to relate to both seasoned gardeners as well as beginners. Thanks!

[@kosmique]

your videos and commentation is so good. I enjoy watching these videos, Scott Keep it up

[@meganmackenzie5993]

Great, easy-to-see demonstrations. I am definitely visual learner.

[@drawingmomentum]

Instead of peat pots, I used ur toilet paper roll idea and, at transplant, I peel it off so the roots can grow unhindered in their new pot. The old wet paper goes into the compost, no mesh. 😉 👍 Another tip, I save and use popsicle and corn dog sticks and use them to poke holes for seeds, to delicately handling seedlings, and even for tags to label. Free and biodegradable is always good. 🌎

[@debsenritchedrefuge603]

This is my second year using TP tubes cut in half with the bottom open and set inside of the Lettuce greens 1# clear containers and put lid on until they germinate! It's so fun to recycle! Also using School milk cartons cut up as plant markers because I don't have any vinyl Blinds right now. I may also use milk cartons to pot up my own personal plants! Blessings for successful Gardening

[@drawingmomentum]

@@debsenritchedrefuge603 AwEsOmE! I put my tp tubes in a giant trays w/clear lids that cookies came in. 😃 when I run out of med size pots, I'll be using plastic milk cartons; pots that come with their own handles! 🙌

[@aeandre9066]

Perfect timing! My carnations especially are tipping over their small starter cells with their very long true leaves and I wondered when I up pot, am I finally adding nutrients to the soil. So thank you for answering my questions. I love your videos. You are just so patient and thorough. Keep up the great videos!

[@vickiereed643]

Love the info, your shirt AND the GreenStalk planter & discount!!!! Thank you for your work and service Gardener Scott! God bless!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

That was the perfect explanation to help me next month when my plants are ready. Thanks for the video!

[@artherenewilliams7435]

This is SO right on time! Thank you Gardener Scott!

[@artherenewilliams7435]

Do I use this same potting mix formula for all transplants? What soil should I use for growing spinach or greens in containers?

[@barbarafinley4246]

This has answered every question I have about up potting my seedlings! Thank you so much!

[@Gkrissy]

Very timely and helpful video. None of my marigolds germinated so I’m on round 2. I am growing flowers from seed which I have never done before, my zinnias I have put outside. I love the spoon use tip. A friend of mine gave me a blackberry plant last year and the root is planted in a peat pellets but at the time I didn’t know what it was lol. I hope to harvest some black berries this year

[@MAC2PERFECTiON]

You are awesome. Love this video and now I’m a subscriber. Everything broken down to relieve my stress in transplanting young seedlings.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Brandy. Welcome to the channel.

[@StevenWaskewicz]

Great video Scott. My experience with the mesh around the plants was similar. At the end of season, I found the pot mesh did not dissolve at the end of the season. Good tips and good advice 👍

[@gizetteedis8556]

Perfectly timed 🙌

[@theelpydimension]

Great tutorial thank you! I was wondering about the size of the first true leaves, if their mere appearance means time to transplant or if they should be a bit bigger. From what I see here, at least have them showing but the bigger perhaps the better.

[@umont503]

Gardner Scott is BACK!!!!! Can’t wait for the live QandAs

[@j.b.6855]

I was up potting tomatoes yesterday. They all had at least the first set of true leaves. Not everyone germinated so I separated any cell that had 2 seedlings. I need to get some of the cool weather crops out next week before I do peppers, not enough room right now. Its going to drop to 25 overnight for two days this week and while the onions and lettuce may be ok, it wont hurt to wait 3 or 4 days before putting them in the beds.

[@ttb1513]

Interesting. I started my peppers before my tomatoes. Thought peppers need more time, especially hot ones. Grow on!!

[@j.b.6855]

@@ttb1513 The peppers and tomatoes were started together. I like to bring out bigger tomatoes to plant them deep. I dont grow the real hot peppers, only pepperoni and bell.The peppers do have the first set of true leaves, but the tomato plants were larger so they had to be up potted first. I just dont have to room under lights to up pot the peppers right now. I still have onions, lettuce, spinach, chard and some cold tolerant herbs inside. They are already hardened off, but its going to dip to 25 degrees overnight Wed & Thur. Once they are outside Friday there will be lots of room for the peppers.

[@ttb1513]

@@j.b.6855 Thanks for all the info. How far ahead of last frost are you able to start tomato seeds? This is my first year growing from seed, so I’m learning. I too have liked planting (store bought) tomatoes deep, to get more roots. I have seen warnings not to start too early, but I also don’t want to be later than I have to be. Is the main constraint that you have to have big enough containers to up pot to? Or is it bad to plant a larger plant, maybe that is already blooming (even if you pinch those blossoms?)? Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@j.b.6855]

@@ttb1513 I'm only in my second year of starting seeds inside, but I learned a ton last year. I am in 5b south of Chicago. I start the tomato seeds under 3400L 5000K led shop lights and keep the lights about 2 inches from the top of the seedling. I also start with a heat mat until they sprout. I start them 8 weeks before the last frost date, But I likely wont put them out till Im near mothers day. It all depends on the two week forecast. I started them way to early last year, about 10 weeks back and they got way to big because of a late cold spell so they went out 13 weeks after I started them. Carrying up 4 extra trays of big tomato plants (15 trays total of warm weather plants )from the basement to harden them off and then back down at night daily was a workout , lesson learned I will likely never forget. My main constraint for the peppers is space. I have 2 old kitchen tables with 4 lights over each. But I like to grow a lot, and I just cant seem to not save extra seedlings. Right now one table has the onions, lettuce, spinach, chard, and some herbs on it. They go out this coming Friday. Then I will up pot the peppers and 2 weeks later start flowers, and melons and cucumbers in biodegradable nursery bags.

[@ttb1513]

@@j.b.6855 Thanks! Hopefully I avoid damping off or some other early issue. Should be fine after that.

[@bjones8354]

Thank you very much!

[@heidiclark6612]

I like your tongue depressor Idea. I have been using a plastic heavy duty disposable fork. Thank You for the clear explanation of the process.

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Awesome information😊😊😊😊😊

[@dorlavegas]

Thank you

[@claws33]

I cut apart my 72 cell into the 3x3 parts so it is much easier to transplant. And also since i don't have a lot of lights i turn them all around so they can stay upright

[@gemajams]

Hi Scott, great explanation, truly enjoy your videos...perfect timing!

[@melissasullivan1658]

This is my first year using peat pots (Root Riot brand) and everything was marvelous until I transferred them to soil. While they’d received Neptune’s harvest a few times, I think they went into shock at 1) having such ample moisture and 2) suddenly having access to the soil’s fertilizer. 😞

[@huckleberryfinnished2688]

Thanks Scott

[@8cupsCoffee]

Love your channel! Very clear information explained very well. Have a great spring!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you! I hope you have a great spring.

[@feliciacarter1962]

This video can right on time. Thx

[@Farmynator]

I recommend growing the ipomea tricolor flowers, they're like little aliens they look so different and cool!

[@vlanza1999]

I just lost most of my cosmos flowers by splitting them to up-pot them. The roots were so fine, I had to tear them apart. Within a few days they ALL started to die. I wish I just cut out the extras, at least I'd still have live ones.

[@mariabentele7909]

Thank you so much. 🌻

[@denisemiller8620]

Thanks for the video. It definitely helps ☺️

[@Maria___28]

Thank you!!!

[@OBJECTSHOWNERD]

Great videos Mr. Scott

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

Hey Scott! Please consider alternatives to peat moss (such as coconut coir) as peat moss is unsustainable and threatened in the wild. You can do some reading about peat bogs and how they are threatened. Many gardening groups advise moving away from peat moss asap. In Europe all composts must be peat free. Canada, we are working on it slowly.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I have a video that discusses the issues of both peat and coir.

[@elchefreedom5063]

Fantastic 🤙🏽

[@zstangkrewson]

I have already thinned out my squashes and cucumbers ( before second set of leaves) and they are taking off okay so far.

[@idahohoosier8989]

Blessings

[@kmiller6002]

Thank You so much for sharing your knowledge!!!! I'm addicted to your channel ☺️... Question ❓ when do you take the plastic domes off? I'm using the 72 seed cell trays. Thank you again. God Bless you and your family from middle GA 🙏 Kendra

[@GardenerScott]

I take the domes off when the leaves of the tallest plants just begin to touch it.

[@timothymclaughlin6630]

Do you have a video about growing asparagus beans from seeds

[@GardenerScott]

I do not.

[@noahjacobsen8745]

Cool

[@amyrios5548]

So cute😉😊😊

[@ancientgardening6920]

Do you use scissors to cut spots out of the bottom of the yogurt cups for watering from the bottom? We've cut spots into the plastic deli containers with dirt and seeds in them, but wait to water from the bottom until after they germinate. Our peppers are at least at that stage, with a set of them with some more sets of leaves, we still feel it's a little behind, but it's five weeks to may 1 and that's the earliest planting time. It's so amazing all the plants coming up in the garden, so many overwintered and lots more seedlings, green onions, leeks, tons of radishes, lots and lots of mystery plants. Oh, I think a few of the brassicas that overwintered is broccoli.

[@GardenerScott]

I use a utility knife to cut slits for drainage.

[@madelinerivera7445]

Thank you. Just wondering, after you transplant the seedlings, do we water them? i didn't see you watering them, so I'm curious as to why you didn't. Great info, learned a lot!

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, watering is important. I show that at the 13:45 point in the video.

[@RichardPaquette-kt2bw]

Back tho the chanel, seeding time is coming here in Canada. - I would like so much to know the potting plant sizes, how wide, long etc. and where to buy. 🤞

[@GardenerScott]

I get my pots from greenhouse megastore.com. They come in many different sizes.

[@RichardPaquette-kt2bw]

Thank you very much.@@GardenerScott

[@terrimarks3694]

Your potting mix looks moist and easy to work with, do you add moisture? Thank you

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, I always work with moist potting mix.

[@cmbaesler]

May I ask your opinion on chicken wire ( galvanized) used for raised garden beds (covers to keep deer etc out ) in regards to safety ( leaching chemicals) thank you!!! Sure enjoy your channel!

[@GardenerScott]

I use chicken wire under some of my beds to deter gophers. It will rust in time, which poses no risk to plants. A slight amount of zinc might leach from galvanized wire, but it poses no risk either.

[@cmbaesler]

@@GardenerScott thank you very much!

[@ejfishes7610]

Really enjoyed the detail of this, thank you for sharing. Quick question the green bin that holds your potting mix, do you have a link for that? Seems so handy to have!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Here's where I got mine: www.greenhousemegastore.com/yard-garden/tools/garden-tools/tidy-tray

[@FloraM44]

I love your watering can!! Where can I find one like it?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. It was a gift so I don't know where to get it.

[@FloraM44]

@@GardenerScott ah thanks for letting me know - you've got a great gift-giver! Haha. I'll Google it. I love Audrey and when I found that quote it quickly became a fave!

[@soniaclarkson3766]

I started my seeds in plastic clear cups, should i wait longer before transplanting them. The plastic cups are a bit larger than your yogurt cups?

[@NolanFaul]

Hi Gardener Scott. I started all of my seeds directly in 4” pots since I’ve got the space. I used a seed starting mix with no nutrients. What do I do now to get nutrients into the soil? My tomato plants are already a few inches tall.

[@GardenerScott]

Consider adding a balanced fertilizer diluted by half to one quarter.

[@gregmiller3553]

where can I get that green potting soil bin you have Scott? I like how it is angled for easy reach rather than a square box

[@GardenerScott]

I got mine here: www.greenhousemegastore.com/yard-garden/tools/garden-tools/tidy-tray

[@gregmiller3553]

@@GardenerScott thank you for getting me the info. Ordering my today.

[@karenmurphy2950]

Can peat pellets be reused when the seed does not come up?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes they can. I often reuse them and occasionally get double plants because the first seed sometimes germinates the second time around.

[@youtubesucksforforcingthis]

Thanks for the video! In a couple hours, I'll be transplanting my first round of broccoli and cauliflower into bigger pots and start hardening them off this week. I also need to start transplanting my tomato seedling clusters into bigger pots. Great timing for some good reminders here. To separate two seedlings in the same pot, I typically use a wood toothpick to try to tease them apart. Had to employ that a couple weeks ago with some pepper seedlings Did those ratchet-like pulleys on your lights come with them, or is that something that you bought separately? I would love some of those! I'm using link chain on eye hooks, which serves a similar purpose, but I like those pulleys way better.

[@GardenerScott]

The pulleys were separate. These are the ones I bought: amzn.to/3deFPtL

[@youtubesucksforforcingthis]

@@GardenerScott Thanks very much!

[@ttb1513]

Do you have any advice on how to assess whether my particular lights are too close or far from the plants? I know the basics, that seedlings will get tall and leggy if they don’t get enough light. Just trying to learn from your experience instead of my failures!

[@ttb1513]

I’ll add that I have LED lights so I understand they should be raised above the height of even incandescents. I am wondering if there is any sign I can look for that the lights are still too close (does something happen to the leaves?).

[@GardenerScott]

Put your hand under the lights at plant level. If you hand gets hot the lights are probably too close.

[@ttb1513]

@@GardenerScott Thanks for the feedback. I am a rookie and I know my question wasn’t real descriptive. My lights are 5000lm, 7500k LED lights, so being LED they don’t generate much heat. My pepper and tomato seedlings were definitely stressed with their first several leaves drying and turning brown. Water, light, and fertilizer are all variables, but of these I suspect the LED lights were too close to the young plants, even though they are not hot.. Fortunately the root systems are large and the new leaves are looking good and green as the lights have been backed off to a higher height (tho I would not rule out other changes). Learning!

[@pops3882]

I used peat pots to start my vegetable seeds in do I need to remove the root ball from the pot when I transplant or will the roots grow through the peat?

[@aloras405]

Yes. They will get root bound in the peat pots. I’ve never had good luck with peat pots breaking down or the roots growing through the peat pot.

[@GardenerScott]

I tear most of the peat pot away from the roots when I transplant, unless the roots are already actively growing through it.

[@shadyfieldhomestead1974]

We have an unusual 38 degree night coming on April 1st. Can I cover my green beans, corn, cucumbers and squash with plastic cups overnight? If so should I put a hole in the cups or should they stay intact? I was worried they wouldn’t get enough oxygen. I might have to use pots to cover, the green beans might be slightly larger. All were started from seeds. Or do I even need to cover at all for 38 degrees?

[@GardenerScott]

On cold nights, warmth is important and 38 is cold enough to harm some of those plants. The plants will get enough oxygen, even when covered for a brief period so a hole isn't necessary. If you have a plastic sheet or tarp, covering with cups and then covering the whole area with the sheet should provide a good warm environment.

[@derkphelps8480]

We have a very nice retail greenhouse near us. Each spring it appears that the plants that they sell in pony packs have been planted in them and not transplanted. Do you know what type of starting mix they might use to not have to transplant all those hundreds of seedlings, or do you think they literally do transplant all those plants?

[@GardenerScott]

Many growers start seeds in flats and then do at least one transplanting into pots.

[@derkphelps8480]

@@GardenerScott thanks

[@ggwoman]

Scott, I transplanted my tomato seedlings 2 weeks ago and for some reason half of them died. They died at the soil line. Any idea what happened? Ps, I used organic seedling soil as a starter and then Miracle Grow garden potting soil.

[@Lunatic768]

Damping off/overwatering? That's what happened to me

[@GardenerScott]

It could be a fungal disease. Damping off disease kills seedlings like that.

[@ggwoman]

@@GardenerScott Thanks!

[@apiecemaker1163]

Mine did the same. My zinnias also. So disappointing because they were so pretty. When I dumped up the soil from the cups to reuse, it was soaking wet yet dryish oh the soil line. This growing from seeds isn’t as easy as it seems. But I’ll keep trying.

[@goatgal7884]

Where do you find the adjustable ratchets for the grow lights?

[@GardenerScott]

Here's where I got them: amzn.to/2QBYA2E

[@goatgal7884]

@@GardenerScott Oh Thank-you so much!

[@amysnipes4245]

Does your garden marker last or bleach out in sunlight? Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

It does not fade in sunlight. That's why I love it.

[@wyattspop]

Hey Scott, my plants are much larger than yours, even my Basil is like 3" tall already (I didn't have enough lamps to handle 72 3" pots), will splitting larger seedlings damage the roots too much by pulling them apart? If so,, I guess I'll just pinch off the lesser plant. Thx my friend

[@GardenerScott]

Many seedlings can be separated carefully, but if you have more than you need it's easier and better to sacrifice the smaller plant.

[@wyattspop]

@@GardenerScott Thanks Scott, so funny, after 4 years I'm still learning to follow your T-shirt..one year I planted all my tomatoes that germinated as they grew...put them in the earth and grew them as-is...it was a train wreck LOL

[@suevanthiel8542]

I started seed in 18 pot not 72 so these are bigger so maybe just transplant to bigger pot

[@leslienichols5268]

Hi Gardener Scott. I am a zone 5B gardener, not far from you. On the very nice days, like tomorrow and Monday, does it do any good to get your seedlings out? Being very careful of the sunlight and temp? Or does that just confuse the heck out of them?

[@GardenerScott]

Hi, Leslie. It really doesn't do much good and can negatively impact the plants if they're exposed to excess wind or sudden weather changes. They'll do better under lights inside until they're big enough to begin hardening off before transplanting in the garden.

[@leslienichols5268]

@@GardenerScott Thank you.

[@suevanthiel8542]

do you poke holes in yogurt cups?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes. All pots should have drainage.

[@thebestofthebestsir47]

So I had a question when you're doing the transplanting when the true plants grow, can you put it straight into the five gallon food grade bucket to grow or would you recommend to get the upgrade to like that bigger yogurt type cup's? Let them grow some more than transfer to a 5 gallon bucket, if you were to transplant from the small cell to the yogurt type cup's (how you demonstrated in the video) how long would they need to be in the yogurt type cup's or how would you know when to get them transferred to a 5 gallon bucket?

[@GardenerScott]

You can transplant right away into a larger container, if you have the space. I use intermediate pots like yogurt cups because I can fit more under the lights I have. Depending on the type of plant they can go into the garden from that pot or into a bigger pot later. Bigger plants like tomatoes usually benefit from a bigger bucket.

[@thebestofthebestsir47]

@@GardenerScott okay thank you and I had a question I could plant pollinating plants in five gallon bucket as well? Also that was a great video thank you for the spreading the knowledge.

[@GardenerScott]

Five-gallon buckets can be used for most garden plants.

[@thebestofthebestsir47]

@@GardenerScott thank you for responding and I just had one more question if you don't mind I got the idea from you about LED bulbs so I bought two LED lightbulbs soft white to be hanging on top of the seedlings with a heat mat underneath and the two LED lightbulbs are 75W and 1100 brightness lumens and 3000 k each one they have their own outlet hanging on top 10 inches away on top of 37 cells may try 72 cells do you believe this LEDs lights should be enough? In the future I will invest in buying the LED lamp the long one that hangs on top though

[@thebestofthebestsir47]

@@GardenerScott I think I figured it out I got more powerful led bulbs now but thank you.

[@StephanieFung]

Where can I get those light ratchets?

[@GardenerScott]

Here you go: amzn.to/2QBYA2E

[@StephanieFung]

@@GardenerScott Thank you! this will be perfect for my grow light!!

[@sandy-rr1by]

i am not good at up potting.

[@johnjude2685]

At Lowes they don't know what a plant marker is