How to Transplant Tomato Plants

Understanding the Transplanting Process

Transplanting indoor tomato plants from trays to small pots is a crucial step in their growth journey under lights or in a warm windowsill. Once the plants have outgrown their starter trays, they should be transplanted into 4 to 6-inch pots to continue growing inside until they’re ready to go outside after the last frost. This process encourages healthy root development and gives your tomato plants the space they need to thrive. Start by ensuring that your young plants are at least 4-6 inches tall and have true leaves before transferring them from a tray to a new pot.

Best Practices for how to Transplant Tomato Plants and Troubleshooting

Before you transplant, it’s advisable to prune any yellow or damaged leaves with sterilized garden shears. Be sure to sterilize the shears after each plant pruning to avoid spreading disease if it exists. This initial cutting helps reduce stress on the plant during the move. It’s also important to remove the first two bottom leaves from the plant before transplanting. The goal is to get more of the stem buried during each transplant to promote root growth and to help grow a stronger stem.

Gently remove each plant from its tray, taking care not to damage the roots or stem. After placing the plant into its new, 4 to 6-inch pot, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. It’s also important to keep water from splashing wet soil onto the leaves at all times during indoor watering.

If you notice wilting or discoloration after transplanting, ensure you’re providing enough sunlight or artificial light and check for proper moisture levels in the soil.

Hardening Off Your Tomato Plants

Before moving your tomato plants outdoors, they need to undergo the hardening-off process. This gradual exposure to outdoor conditions is essential for acclimatizing them. Begin by placing the pots outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered spot, slowly increasing their exposure to sunlight and wind over 5-10 days. This step will significantly improve their chances of thriving in your garden or on your patio.

Choosing the Right Soil and Outdoor Container Size, if applicable

When transplanting your tomato plants outdoors, make sure there is no chance of frost and the overnight temperatures remain 60 degrees or above.

When transplanting directly into the ground, make sure the soil is rich in nutrients and has proper drainage. Dig a hole and bury the base of the plant, including two to three inches of previously unburied stem. Ensure no bottom leaves are close to the soil. If they are close to the soil, remove the first set with sterilized garden shears.

When selecting outdoor containers or pot sizes for your transplanted tomato plants, consider using containers or pots that are at least 5 gallons in capacity. This size allows sufficient room for root growth. It’s key to fill these pots with high-quality potting soil that provides proper drainage and nutrients. A mix that contains organic matter, like compost, can yield better results.

Tip: It’s a good practice to remove and keep all tomato leaves away from the soil at all times, from seedling transplants to a mature plant, to avoid soil borne diseases. It’s best to do this immediately after transplanting and before the first self-watering after transplant or an outdoor rain.