How to Grow More Vegetables

Result of improper transplanting

Optimally, transplanting should be done in the early
evening so the seedlings get settled into their new home
during more moderate weather conditions. If
transplanting is performed during the day, some
temporary shading may be needed. In our hot summer
weather, we shade newly transplanted seedlings with
30% shade-netting or Reemay, a row cover cloth, for
several days to minimize transplanting shock and wilt.

Tip: When the stems of cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkin, and gourds grow into

the path, turn the stems back into the bed’s growing area to keep walkways clear. The

stems prefer the more humid mini-climate in the growing area and will stay there.

Transplanting is preferable to directly sowing seeds.
More importantly, transplanting improves plant health.
Beds become compacted as they are watered and the soil
will not be as loose for a seed that is planted directly in
the bed. Some compaction will have occurred by the