This Transplanting Tip BLEW MY MIND and Saved Me From Killing Plants!

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[@dessiewatkins1565]

An elderly lady I knew showed me from seed pack to transplant , her method for growing tomatoes: She broadcast an entire pack of seeds across the topsoil of a styrofoam ice chest, cut down to 10 inches, filled with about six inches of potting soil. The seedlings sprang up like a dense miniature forest. She pinched the top first leaves after the secondary leaves appeared. She said this triggers the plant to focus new growth in the thickness of the stem instead of its height. When these tomato plants were around eight to ten inches high, she seperated them and transplanted into individual containers. I could see that they had strong stems and thick hearty tap roots. She said starting them like this allowed them to generate much stronger taproots that prepared them better for withstanding the outdoor garden environment. She put a wooden match stick, chemical end down,in the soil of the new container right against the stem. This would deter cutworms, because they can't activate the body muscles for full penetration of the skin of the tomato's stem if there is something interfering with any of the cutworm's sucking apparatuses' along its body to make full contact. What an amazing lady.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I agree. She did right with less dli to get more root and less vegetation. Trimming back allows for more roots and less vegetation.

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Excellent techniques. Love learning from elders.

[@spritzpistol]

Thank you for sharing those amazing tips! My grandad always said, pop your tomato stems way down into the pot/soil, as the stems are where it grows new roots from (which support it into the soil and provide more roots for feeding). Our toms are always strong and sturdy, and are prolific fruiters. The old ways are the best, my Grandad had so many tips, tried and tested.

[@sarahgirard1405]

@@spritzpistolthat’s what I have done this year. I hope it will bring me some strong tomatoe plants with lots of fruit.

[@Jordan-sy7my]

​@sarahgirard1405 how is your experiment turning out?

[@susieq9234]

You don't want to pull your seedling out of the cell. Give it a gentle squeeze and if it feels mostly solid it's probably time to take it out. Tip the cell to a 45 degree angle and let the seedling gently fall into your open hand. If it's stubborn give a gentle push to the bottom of the cell. Never pull on the stem. Been gardening 40 years.

[@kooltube100]

yup always been told not to pull the plant but tease the soil out with it. obviously if you just pull the stem the plants roots are gonna be pulled off.

[@PolygonSwan]

Bamboo kebab sticks are good.

[@cbkqmom]

I got a tray kit off of Amazon- came with little seed tray inserts, lids with vents, label sticks and miniature tools. MINIATURE TOOLS! The tiny spade is PERFECT for getting the babies out gently. I tilt, as you said- slide the spade in and voila, like taking a pizza out of the oven, lol. No push to the bottom is really needed, no damage to my babies or the trays. That kit is worth getting just for those mini tools.

[@silver474]

This is what my dad taught me long ago. Never had a problem. I’d rather ruin the plastic container than kill my seedlings 🌱

[@rachelmurray7851]

@@cbkqmom I got the same oe only the vents have grow light attachments! Such a genius idea!

[@kristinanoall]

Starting seeds indoors for the first time this year, and good grief, is there a lot to learn! 😣 Just have to keep telling myself it’s okay to be a beginner and make mistakes! Thanks for the info!

[@robertschmidt9296]

It also helps to have someone who has been at it awhile to tell you that it's ok to be a beginner and make mistakes. We've all been there.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

What I would do is what rachel did/does from "That 1870's Homestead" She planned on buying seed.Starts every year for the first several years.When she was teaching herself how to grow things from seed. There were years that she did great her first time trying it, so she had extra seedlings.But it's better than planning on growing everything from seed.And then it's not doing well and the nurseries being sold out... It took me about 3 years to REALLY get it all down pat.

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

Gardening is a constant learning process! There's always new things to learn. I've been gardening almost 60 years, still learning things. Old ways, new ideas, MIgardener....it's fun! ❤🌱❤

[@six50joe]

I think of the practice of gardening as failing, and every year my new goal is to fail less. The joy and satisfaction I get comes from doing just that and having new successes I wasn't able to attain for years. There are definitely frustrations every season, but also revelations that lead to predictable success. Good luck on your journey!

[@laurasinkins]

Me too! I’m so happy Luke puts out so much helpful info :)

[@rachelmurray7851]

Who else thinks "seedling" is an adorable name for a baby plant? I smile every time someone says seedling lol.

[@thehallhive9425]

Me!! Pretty much anything with "ling" is adorable. 🤣

[@Tay2dabay]

Lol. This was too cute... but accurate. 🤔

[@elaineburbridge7629]

I never thought about it till now....but now I will smile whenever I hear "seedling"!

[@rachelmurray7851]

@@elaineburbridge7629 hahahaha go to the videos where the person in the video says "seedlings" the most times!

[@webenbanu]

Great information! Somebody should make clear seedling trays so that we can watch the root development!

[@klee88029]

I save water and soda bottles for exactly this reason. It's so easy. You can buy clear desert cups and drinking glasses to use also.👍🧓

[@katjoy9921]

I read that black pots are better because roots don’t grow towards light. True?

[@klee88029]

@@katjoy9921 Hmmm, I don't know, But makes sense. I will wrap some material around some of mine that allows me to peek at the growth and compare them to some bottles without any material. Thank you, I love to do comparisons. 👍🧓

[@KristenK78]

Milk jugs! Great for winter sowing, protects seedlings from pets, it’s a mini greenhouse, and depending on the plant, you can probably see at least some roots.

[@happyvapor4670]

Go online! There are plenty that have a transparent cell tray that sits inside an opaque tray. Theyre usually 12 cells and come in packs of 5 oh and they come with little dome lids. Theyre awesome!

[@Undercoverbooks]

And then just as the plants are ready to go out, you get a surprise ice storm... :)

[@MrsB197something]

Yes us too

[@person35790]

Save milk jugs, they’ll save you in a bind like late snow and ice

[@cyndih4720]

Murphy's Law 😆

[@independantegirl]

Oh u live in Illinois too? 🥲

[@Undercoverbooks]

@@person35790 I'm in Ontario Canada, where we don't get milk in jugs. It comes in bags.

[@marlalink6746]

Loved the hermit crab shedding its shell and the plant growing in the crack of a sidewalk metaphors - these make your propositions totally relevant, understandable, and memorable.

[@cooki47]

I had a couple peppers stay in their seedling tray most of the summer cause I ran out of places to plant. They both produced a pepper. 😮

[@Zoeybeau_1]

Happy to learn this lesson now, as so many have said when they have their first true leaves, I was going to move so many seedlings today. I am leaving them now.

[@thenickschannel]

That is a good first indicator to see if you have good roots. I usually check root system after first true leaves are fully out.

[@brokenmeats5928]

I love ALL MIgardener videos!

[@Ds74-pmrq]

I've always had terrific gardens best results ever by just planting the seeds in the ground

[@spiritofganesh]

Thanks for this video! I did all the things im not supposed to 😂 and now know what i did wrong because you explaoned it so well. You gave me hope to try again 😂😊 yaaaaayyyy!

[@becky3086]

I usually can tell by just looking at my plants when they need to be planted to a larger pot. I think it is just something that comes with experience.

[@bennym1956]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@brg2743]

😂winter sowed in milkjugs today ...tomatoes, onion seeds, and lettuce. Wait and see what happens. Cucumbers, chards and tomatoes planted in early Feb are growing in milkjugs. We are in zone 6. Have a fun time gardening everyone.

[@laurasinkins]

This is SO helpful. I’m growing seeds for the first time and I’m really thankful you have so many videos for us newbies

[@sandysmith8567]

I definitely transplanted too soon. Most of the seedlings are doing well, but several are in a state of shock and probably cursing me under their breath. I've gardened most of my life, but new to starting from seed. Thanks so much for this video!

[@dougvelez2095]

Great advice

[@Zahra_95-Abd]

😂😂😂 cursing me under their breath 😂😂😂😅

[@franziskani]

Another tip is to be mindful when they go outdoors - overcast days are ideal so they do not get a sunburn. Or hardening them off while they are still in the larger pots.

[@patiknappen9086]

I transplanted too soon also. Love Luke and his instruction

[@mis6tif]

Wish I would've known this a week ago. Live and learn. Thanks for the helpful information.

[@brendaflick3907]

Great advice! You're a wonderful teacher and I appreciate your videos. Thanks!

[@gorathsghost6475]

This video came at such the right time!! Got my pepper seedlings growing and was wondering when to transplant, great information ty.

[@wildrootdesigns]

Thank you. Perfect timing for this video, you just saved my seedlings😊

[@cortneyrubel8601]

I love your channel, bonus that I’m not too far south of you took me a bit to find some zone 6 gardeners. I have learned so much this winter watching your content and for the first time this year I’m starting a ton of my own plants! Of course I watched this video and realized I transplanted too soon…live and learn. All the transplanted things are doing okay but this explains some lack of growth for a good stretch (longer than I expected) after transplant. Now I know and seed starting will go even smoother next year.

[@valinajames209]

I wish I would have learned this sooner. I've been transplanting way to early. Thanks Luke!

[@jamesvlambert]

Potting up. I learned my lesson the hard way. Used to overwater and transplant into wet soil. My transplants are doing great this summer. Thanks for the lesson.

[@rubberbiscuit99]

Sir, yiu and your channel are the best gift the YT algorithm brought me in ages!! Thank you so much!

[@donnalavoie4950]

Excellent information I'm not hearing anywhere else. Thanks.

[@louisevad6091]

Murdock double cup for monster seedlings

[@acupunctureworksllcnewfair6369]

Thank you! I feel more confident knowing when to transplant!

[@lauramascari806]

I absolutely adore the idea of thinking of the seedlings as hermit crabs 💛

[@ellendavis9940]

I really learned what to do when, and stop stunting my plants. By the way I love my bootstrap product’s and seeds from you!

[@Ezmoshe1]

Great tips, appreciate you pulling out the underdeveloped seedling to compare roots.

[@QuinnHolt-ns5sl]

I did learn something, bud. I learn something every video you put out. Thank you.

[@genahowe4206]

Wow! This is super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@lori900]

Great info at the PERFECT time for me! Just saw this. I miss MI dirt - moved to GA in 1983. Can't wait to get my flower and carrot sprouts out in the garden!!

[@MySwellGarden]

Great video, Luke! Thanks

[@chelseysmith6805]

Soooo helpful! Thanks, Luke!!

[@jasc997]

Amazing video! Thank you so much for the knowledge 🙌❤️ Love your channel and your content 👍

[@debalarsen1]

Great information, Luke! Thank you very much!

[@warriormamma8098]

Thank you! I have been learning slowly the last two years and have made so many mistakes. It’s any wonder I keep trying to grow stuff.

[@stephenharding1787]

Thank you! I was just about to transplant my seeds way too early ! Now I know there’s no rush just because I see a tiny bit of root coming out the bottom- great timing . I am determined to get some success this year after failing dismally last year to damping off ! My seedlings are so far doing great - my nerves not so good!

[@debbenelson1219]

Thanks Luke! Very helpful

[@FinallyAlmino]

It feels like you are teaching me something that I already knew, when I know for a fact I didn't, which makes YOU an excellent communicator. I was not a good student, but I know a good teacher when I see one 😊

[@adventuresinlifemka1762]

I've been sharing all of your videos with my daughter.

[@madhat127]

Hi Luke, Another excellent video. Very helpful information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help us make better choices. Have fun, Mark : )

[@richardbarber5911]

Very useful information. I've been doing it all wrong and you showed me the solution. Thank you!!

[@klee88029]

Excellent information Luke, thank you 👍🧓

[@mlthomas33]

Very informative! I'm glad I came across this channel!❤

[@1stAmbientGrl]

It really depends on the seed starting medium. If you use only coconut coir, then your seedlings will need to be either up-potted to a grow medium with compost in it or be given a little liquid fertilizer after the first set of true leaves appear. The seed has only enough nutrients to produce the first pair of true leaves.

[@SunflowerWisdom]

Excellent comment. Maybe that's why his 5 week old plants look stunted.

[@Andy-rl9gw]

Yep, important tip.

[@lizdavis5650]

Very interesting. I was feeling guilty about leaving my plants in the small trays, so I already moved them. I hope I remember this!

[@AmysAttitude]

Write down the points you want to remember. I'm starting a garden journal to keep up with planting times, germination times and such as. We aren't promised the Internet and I don't have much for gardening books so I'm starting my own! 😂

[@theresamarie1089]

I tried to start plants from seed last season and overall had an epic failure. This vlog helps me understand that I did not wait long enough for root development before I transplanted them either in larger pots or directly into the garden soil. I see I did everything wrong with my seedlings. TY very much for helping me see where I made mistakes. I hope this year will be much more bountiful than last. PS... I'm in southern lower MI.

[@dg2517]

That was super concise and helpful. Thank you!

[@deeb2021]

Loved the video. So interesting, greatful i now know how roots should look before transplanting. Thank you so much. Subbed. 💜

[@deekolbe1052]

Good information. Thanks Luke!

[@NorthernGoshawk]

Did you just.... name drop Bob Iger in a gardening video? Like.... Disney CEO Bob Iger?

[@fmbz858]

right?!!

[@gwynny7]

Thank you for making this video. I now know what my mistake was last year - I transplanted too early - snapping off too many roots.

[@catiesmith9166]

This was so helpful and uses so much horticulture common sense. Sometimes I think us gardeners put too much stress into our gardens instead of just sitting back, being patient and enjoying the process. Thanks for the license to ‘chill’ that you inserted into your video in such a nice way.

[@MelyndaVang2023]

I'm just like everybody else, SO EXCITED! As soon as you see a leaf, you know you want to implant them! Holding back...oh that's a tough one. Everybody in zone 3, let's WAIT together...here in MN, so many people already planted last week and then my Honey says, it's going to be COLD next week. ROFL. I"m waiting to do my planting until AFTER the last frost which is weekend of May 17 to be safe. that might even be a week too early but I see upper 70's for that week onward. Wish me luck!

[@jellybean378]

Very informative. Thank you!!

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

Smart tricks you are teaching us about seedlings - let them grow up before u plant them .. thanks ..

[@noragoss5857]

Thank you. You have changed my up potting.

[@trixie1636]

Wow. I just stumbled upon this and it was sooooo helpful! I have tried to sprout inside, and transplant many things, only for them to die within two days. They look great, get an upgrade and then poof! Gone. I thought I wasn’t acclimating them enough and they got shocked, trying to do the in and out for a couple hours a day, that didn’t work. Finally these peas I was trying to grow, I decided to just start outside.. they’re growing and I’m terrified lol this was really helpful to know! Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@annmarisdenis628]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! I’ve messed up the past two years. Last year I waited too long, the year before that I tried to transplant too soon. This video really helped me. Thank you!🤩

[@dianaklien1560]

Thanks, this showed up just when I needed it!

[@LaurelLaura402]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!!

[@phylliskrafft]

Ours get so many scraggly roots comming out the bottom. Thanks for your help my good friend

[@vieslavabienek5063]

Thank You,I just leaned a lot from you.What I relized that being impetioned i had tendency to change the pots too early.Watching other profetional growers,never learned those details.Good job.

[@darylhaines7397]

I have always found the best indicator for the time to pot up is a slow down in growth of the seedlings.

[@user-qr1yv5ip3b]

Definitely new to me. I’m from Az. gardening and now learning Ar. gardening. I plan to go visit my local County Extension service next week to hopefully obtain a soil sample idea and hopefully plot ideas. Good luck to you.

[@kimdoolin3002]

I have found my new favorite trays. The reusable pop-out trays are awesome. You don't have to pull on the plant or dig out roots. Also harden off your plants before transferring outside. Especially at the start of the season.

[@rosemarybrando5625]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been making all those mistakes😮😊🤦 very informative

[@kittyfruitloop8264]

Thank you! God bless you!

[@HomeGardening212]

That was very informative ! I was thinking of transolanting my peppers and tomatoes out in the garden when they are just six weeks old and bear true leaves ! just checked two of them each kind...u r right.... still need a couple of more weeks...thanks Luke 🌹🌹🌹

[@HoppySabbathHomestead]

This was very helpful! I have had years where I transplanted my peppers and they were stunted for weeks!

[@user-pb8bp6sr2u]

Ditto!

[@user-ey5mg6oi3f]

so appreciate this channel Greatful its here for information n your kindness

[@AKennethNolan]

"Go down a size from what you need." I have begun to discover this. Many annuals actually enjoy a snug, cozy cell. I love the tip about aerial roots! I've always noticed them in tomatoes and some other crops, but wasn't sure that they signified anything all that important. Thank you for a helpful video.

[@rochelleferrera595]

Thank you for this !! I do this so I’ll re-adjust what I do

[@blplovinglife3131]

Love your enthusiasm!

[@brucegarrison4999]

Thank you Luke

[@kd-yd5pk]

I absolutely did learn something. I planted seeds a few weeks ago (calendula) and some are growing in with my culinary garden containers. Some will stay in those containers and some will be potted up. But I will start small then move when bigger. Thanks for sharing!

[@fizzypop1858]

Awesome info, Luke!!

[@lizh1806]

I watched this video a bit too late!! had already committed the cardinal sin of pulling on the roots and moving too soon 😢 in my first year so lots to learn!! Thank you for the advice👍

[@KristenK78]

Thank you. Seeds I started in late Feb (zone 6) are coming along nicely in milk jugs, and I was wondering if I needed to divide/move them to bigger pots before my last frost date in mid-May. I am going to try to remember this for the next few weeks at least: they are fine. They don’t need more room. And it’s too cold outside!

[@khatzeye]

Excellent video! I’ve made nearly all these mistakes 😂😂 thanks for educating us ❤

[@joannmcculley8253]

Great info! So helpful and timely Thank you

[@cannab-al9582]

This year i ised the 4" seedling pots. I knew i wouldnt be ready when they would normally go outsde. Still working on the garden. This way they could get bigger in the pot, with a larger root ball for stability. Almost ready for it. Had problems with extremely aggressive weeds in previous years so im spending more time preparing to guarantee success for the short growing season. Also ill be more than ready for a full growing seaon next spring.

[@GrowingwithGeorge]

I grow everything in 3" square pots as 18 fits 1it 1020 tray and with 4 trays of tomatoes and 3 of peppers transplanting would be so much work. i can last until they go outside in these pots and so ony one pot... i do this method every year and never have any issues...

[@minnesotagardening2234]

I do the same, with around 25 peppers and 25 tomatoes every year. I've never had any issues.

[@harrisonxyz1]

Excellent to hear a voice of reason.

[@burdenofproofreading]

I needed this advice. 🤦‍♀️ Thank you.

[@susanhenley8240]

I. Just. Learned. So. Much!

[@chetfuhrman6390]

Luke - You just cracked the code for my tomato problem. I’m up potting way too early. Sure enough my seedlings got root rot and dampening off. I need to wait longer for a bigger root system to grow. Thanks for your informational videos!!!

[@katharine5606]

Learned about aerial roots- thanks!

[@davidpaylor5666]

When I was a pro gardener we raised a lot of ornamental annuals (like tens of thousands by a two man team) and we would only pot up a young plant if you could pop the whole rootball out of the cell by giving the sides a quick squeeze and a push from the bottom. If it popped out cleanly it was time to pot up, if the seedling didn't pop up it wasn't ready. If you are doing it commercially you can't afford the time, the space, the compost or the plant losses you get if you pot up too early, if you don't have a good firm root ball you WILL damage the plant by potting it up too soon. Great vid, very well presented.

[@patricianelson8]

I really appreciate how you explained transplanting basics. I haven't even started my seed growing because of the strong winds we're having in AZ. Also, we may be expecting snow! (31 Mar to 1 Apr). I know, crazy. I get anxious to plant too early, then end up losing them because of the wind or rodents. I'm going to experiment and put out repurposed Cranberry juice containers as a cover for my baby plants.

[@sharonneely9433]

Very informative and helpful, thank you.

[@Elaine_Jim_McGuire]

Thank you, great information!!!!

[@beverlyboyce1041]

I shared with a couple garden groups here in Texas

[@sharongrashen1196]

Thanks for sharing!💜🙏🏼

[@sandrabeck8788]

Always learn something new! Thanks and shared

[@georgianamcglinchey573]

Omg, I already did too early on some! Thanks for this!

[@G.W.H.]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@johnwood738]

Very timely. I’ve got a transplant. Some plants probably tomorrow out of the house from under the grow lights and into my greenhouse. I just don’t have room for in the house and they are ready.

[@kartickshirur9648]

Thanks for posting this. Last fall, I killed a bunch of beets and lettuce by transplanting them too soon. My Summer garden was successful because I procrastinated. Now on I’ll use your tips to decide when I should transplant.

[@patriciabush4590]

Seattle soil is still too cold to transplant my seedlings. 3yrs ago we had a nice early spring in March but last two yrs its been so cold in evening that ive had to wait till june. Im really impatient at this point. Can't wait till evening is atbleast 50 degrees. Thanks for your info.😊

[@MelyndaVang2023]

I am in MN Zone 3 and we are not doing any better friend. I'm planning on weekend of May 17th. On a wing and a prayer. haha. Happy Gardening!

[@HealyMeans]

hi luke 🤗 this is very timely as i am starting seeds more than in previous years. right now, im waiting to purchase soil for my raised beds and containers, so my seeds will be in tray cells for another 2 weeks. im in southern california, zone 10b and start everything outside on tables (no greenhouse). everything looks good so far, but ill be checking them with the tips in this video. tfs