Transplants are ready for the garden

KANSAS STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION NEWS SERVICE  

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A note to all ambitious gardeners who started vegetable transplants indoors over the winter months: Your time has come.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says many transplants are likely ready for the garden, but before removing them from a more protected environment, they first need to acclimate.

“This process is called hardening off,” Domenghini said.

Two weeks before the transplant date, decrease the amount of water that the seedlings are given, she said. Gradually increase their exposure to the sun and wind, but avoid damaging winds, rain and temperatures.

When they’re ready for the garden, prepare the soil by breaking up hardened clots. Don’t work the soil when wet.

“Water the transplants just before transplanting,” Domenghini said. “Dig the hole for each plant slightly deeper and wider than the container it’s in. Position the plant in the hole and backfill to cover the entire root ball. Press the soil surface firmly around the stem of the plant. Starter fertilizer can be used at planting.”

Gardening calendar

The busy work is beginning for gardeners as temperatures turn mostly warm around Kansas, Domenghini said. In alphabetical order, she provides a listing of common garden foods that should be planted soon – if not already:

1. Asparagus (crowns) – mid-March to mid-April.
2. Beets (seed) – late March to early April.
3. Bok choy (seed/transplant) – late March to early April.
4. Broccoli (transplant) – late March to early April.
5. Cabbage (transplant) – late March to early April.
6. Carrots (seed) -- late March to early April.
7. Cauliflower (transplant) -- late March to early April.
8. Chicories (seed/transplant) -- late March to early April.
9. Collards (seed/transplant) -- late March to early April.
10. Kale (seed/transplant) – mid-March.
11. Fennel (seed) – mid-March to early April.
12. Kohlrabi (seed) – mid-March to early April.
13. Lettuce (seed) – mid-March to early April.
14. Leeks (transplant) – mid-March.
15. Mustard (seed) – late March to early April.
16. Onion (sets/plants) – mid- to late March.
17. Parsnips (seed) – mid-March to early April.
18. Peas (seed) – mid-March.
19. Potatoes (seed) – mid-March to early April.
20. Radish (seed) – mid- to late March.
21. Rhubarb (crowns) – March to April.
22. Rutabaga (seed) – mid- to late March.
23. Spinach (seed) – mid- to late March.
24. Swiss chard (seed/transplant) – late March to early April.
25. Turnip (seed) – mid- to late March.