Reducing Transplant Stress in Field Vegetables - Frequently Asked Questions

• Decreased seed requirements and costs
• Reduced labour requirements for thinning
• Uniform planting density
• Accelerated crop development
• Earlier crop maturity and longer harvest window
• Increased returns due to earlier harvests, improved yields and crop quality
• Increased crop uniformity
• Allow the use of potentially higher quality cultivars/varieties which require longer seasons

• Ensure that transplants have a good root system.
• Ensure that transplants are the appropriate age and size (not too big or too old) as younger plants tend to establish faster and experience less shock.
• Ensure that transplants are properly hardened off. This process is designed to allow plants to prepare/adjust to the harsher environmental conditions outside of the greenhouse. This may involve:
  • Allowing plants to dry out slightly
  • Reducing fertilizer
  • Placing in direct sunlight or outside during day
  • Reducing or increasing temperature for 2 to 5 days depending on planting conditions
• Ensure that transplants have root ball moisture topped up before planting.
• When planting:
  • Transplants must be placed at the proper depth.
  • Soil should be firmly packed around the root ball.
  • Plants should receive a dose of high phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer after planting.
  • Plants should be watered in after planting as this ensures that there is adequate moisture and soil to root contact.
• Avoid activities that remove or damage roots.
• Planting should take place on calm, cool, overcast days as opposed to hot, dry and windy days.
• Some shelter or additional protection may be required.