being so tightly grown together from having been kept in
a starting at or pot so long that with the soil they
constitute a tight mass), gently spread the roots out in all
directions. This process is important because the plant
should not spend critical growth energy sending out a
new, wide-ranging root system for eating and drinking
when a good root system has already been produced.
Instead, the plant’s energy will go into the natural ow
of continuous growth.
Be sure to place the seedling into a large enough hole
so that the plant can be buried up to its 9rst set of true
leaves. Water the seedlings after transplanting to help
settle the soil around the roots, to eliminate excess air
spaces, and to provide an adequate amount of water for
growth. As the soil is packed down under the pressure of
watering, the 9nal soil level will remain high enough to
cover the upper roots. The plant’s roots need 9rm
contact with the soil to properly absorb water and
nutrients. Press the soil 9rmly around the seedling, if
necessary, but not too tightly. Tight packing will damage
the roots and will not allow the proper penetration of
water, nutrients, and air. Soil that is too loose will allow
air and moisture to concentrate around the roots. This
will cause root burn and decay.
Transplanting seedlings up to their 9rst true leaves
prevents them from becoming top-heavy and bending
over during their early growth period. (This is especially
true for members of the cabbage family.) If a plant bends
over, it will upright itself, but will develop a very “tough
brent
(Brent)
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