Transplant Seedlings and Water Properly

What happens here

Once the seedlings are mature enough (typically around three weeks old and showing a well-developed root system, potentially becoming 'root-bound' in the peat pellet), they are ready for transplanting. Dig a hole in your garden bed or larger container and place the entire peat pellet, plant and all, directly into the soil. For tomato plants, you can bury a significant portion of the stem, as they will sprout roots along the buried section. When watering, use cold, fresh water instead of warm water (which was only needed for initial pellet expansion). If using city water, consider using distilled water to avoid chlorine, which can harm young plants.

Goal: Successfully transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden or larger containers.