plot update & information on transplants

Day 19	Day 21	Day 26

When planting a garden or a plot in a field the grower must choose between direct seeding or the use of transplants. In some cases the physiology of the plant will determine which method is required, as is the case with many plants in the cucurbitaceae (melon) family where direct seeding is required and transplanting will stunt the growth of these plants. Root crops are also typically not transplanted. Other crops, especially high value crops, can often be planted via transplants.

Transplants can be divided into two types: plugs and traditional transplants. Plugs are categorized as having 2-3 true leaves, not counting the cotyledon (seed) leaves. Traditional transplants have 5-6 leaves. Transplants offer many benefits to the grower including earlier harvest, as transplants can be started in a greenhouse during the last few weeks of the cool season. They can also provide more even development in the field. However, they increase the cost of planting and space must be available for the growth of these transplants. The grower must decide when the value of the crop is great enough to warrant using transplants. For the home grower the small number of plants used typically means that cost and space are not a major concern and transplants can facilitate earlier yields, as well as create a longer growing season.