Transplanting tomato seedlings is easy and if you repot tomato seedlings correctly it will help you grow stronger and more productive plants.
Most gardeners start tomatoes off from seeds or buy small seeding plants, both of these need to be re-potted before planting into the garden.
Why Repot Tomato Seedlings?
Repotting has two major benefits:
- By repotting to a larger pot you allow the root system room to grow, so plants can be grown in pots until the time is right to plant into the garden.
- Repotting also allows you to plant the seedling more deeply, the stem can be planted down into the soil which will encourage more root growth from the stem themselves, so a better root system and a stronger plant.
When do you Repot Your Tomato Seedlings
The time to repot is when the seedlings reach around 3 – 4 inches (around 10cm) in height, then they are strong enough and ready to repot.
- Choose a deep pot around 6 inches (15cm) deep.
- Use a good soil mix with a little fertiliser mixed through, blood and bone is suitable.
- Gently remove the seedling from the tray.
- Plant the seedling with at least 1 inch (around 3cm) of extra stem below the soil.
Taller ‘leggy’ seedling can have more stem below the soil. - Water in well.
- Keep the seedling in a warm, part shaded position until the show signs of new growth.
- Keep moist.
- Move them into more sun after 10 -12 days
Repeat Transplanting
You can repeat this process 2 – 3 times if needed, and in colder climates this may be necessary as tomatoes should not be planted into the garden until the soil warms up.
