Potting out — moving young plants from the warmth of your home or greenhouse into the great outdoors — is a big step in helping them grow strong and healthy. Get it right, and your garden will thrive.
It’s tempting to rush, but hold off until the risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C. Even then, don’t just throw them outside — they’ll need a little help adjusting, a process called “hardening off.”
Start about two weeks before you want to plant them out. Each day, pop your seedlings outside for a few hours, then bring them back in at night. Gradually leave them out longer so they can get used to the sun, breeze, and cooler nights.
Pick a spot that suits the plant. Sun-lovers need full sunlight, while shade-loving plants will prefer some shelter from the midday heat. It’s also worth checking your soil — if it’s hard and compacted, loosen it up a bit before planting.
When it’s time to move them, here’s what to do:
- Give your plants a good drink a few hours before moving them.
- Carefully remove them from their pots without disturbing the roots too much.
- Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball.
- Pop the plant in at the same depth it was growing before.
- Firm the soil gently around it and water well.
Keep your newly planted seedlings well watered for the first few weeks. If a chilly night sneaks in, cover them up with fleece or cloches for a bit of extra protection.
A little extra care now means you’ll be rewarded later with a garden full of strong, thriving plants all summer long.