If you’re anything like us, the moment new plants arrive on your doorstep, you want to rip open the box, take a big ol’ sniff (is there any smell better than the smell of new plants?) and then get them straight into the garden.
But, as Phil Collins would say:
You can’t hurry plants,
No, you’ll just have to wait
Just trust in a good time
No matter how long it takes.
(We may have changed the words slightly.)
Because your plants have been on a long road trip from our house to yours, there are a few things you need to do to give them the best chance of growing your insane amount of brag-worthy fruits and veggies.
Here’s the skinny…
When your Plantables box arrives, your plants may not be ready for the big move to your raised garden bed or garden just yet.
But if you’re planting them in pots, then you’ll be set to get your plants potted for their new indoor, balcony, or patio homes. Just get your pots, fill them three-quarters full, put your plant in and fill with the remainder with soil. That’s just how they like it.
How do I transplant a plant to a larger pot, you may ask?
Once your plant has doubled in size, it’s time to upgrade its room. Now’s the time to plant it in a 1-3 gallon pot. (Just keep in mind each plant is different, some herbs are better off staying in their original small pots.)
Here’s how to move them without upsetting them too much:
Step 1.
The best time to transplant your plant is when the soil is hard and dry. We wouldn’t recommend moving them after you’ve just watered your plant. Imagine if you’d just sat down for dinner and then somebody came and moved you to another room!
Step 2.
Fill your 1-3 gallon pot to the second line with organic soil.
Step 3.
Dig a hole in the place you plant.
Step 4.
Roll your current potted plant between your palms to release the plant from the inside of the pot.
Step 5.
Plant your plant in your new pot and boom, you’re done!
Nice and easy!
Transplanting your plant from pot to the ground
Once your plant is at a substantial height, you can move them into the garden.
Dig a hole that is 2/3rds bigger than the plant, and level-ish at the bottom. Then take the plant from the pot, place it in the hole and fill around it with soil.
(Pro tip: You can put your pot into the ground and surround it for a while with soil to avoid shocking the roots. But if you don’t have time, just put them in the ground gently.)
Finally, give them lots of water for the first few days to help them settle in!
