TRANSPLANTING 



279 



other hand, if they are strictly adhered to and conscientiously followed, ' 

 there is almost no limit to the extent to which successful transplanting 

 can be carried. As an instance, the writer recalls the moving of some 

 shrubs — Lilac, Mock Orange, Spiraea, etc., on the occasion of the pur- 

 chase of a suburban property in mid-Spring, just when the plants were 

 in bloom. It seemed almost ridiculous to try to transplant them, but 

 the attempt was made. Moreover, as a result of wetting the ground 

 thoroughly before digging the shrubs, keeping the root systems 

 wrapped in wet burlap, rushing the plants to their new location by 

 automobile, having the holes ready and the new soil moist, and 

 keeping the earth from drying out at any time thereafter, the attempt 

 was entirely successful. The plants were established with little if any 

 check; indeed some of them did not show so much as a wilted blossom 

 after twelve hours in their new location. Of course, success of that sort 

 means lots of care and effort, but it is good to know what can be 

 accomplished when the need arises and one is willing to take trouble. 



Transplanting Seedlings 



The first transplanting of vegetable or flower seedlings started in 

 a pot, pan or flat is termed * 'pricking out," and should be done as soon 

 as the first pair of true leaves appear. Before this the seedlings are 

 likely to be too delicate to handle; if left much longer in crowded rows 

 they are likely to become spindly and weak. 



Several hours before pricking out, wet the soil in the flat and that 

 into which the plants are to go; they are more easily removed from 

 moist soil, more of which will cling to the root hairs. Lift out small 

 bunches of the seedlings with a small stick or trowel — a small, diamond- 

 shaped mason's trowel is excellent — separate them gently with the 

 fingers, holding them by the leaves, and reset them an inch or so apart 

 each way. Make a hole for each plant with a small dibble or skewer, 

 let the seedling stand about as deep as it was before, and press the soil 

 well around the roots with the fingers. When all are planted, the flat 

 or bed may be gently sprinkled until the soil is quite moist, and then 

 slightly shaded if the sun is hot and shines full upon it. 



Whenever possible it is desirable to transplant such seedlings a 

 second time before setting them out in their permanent locations. This 

 shift should be done when their leaves begin to overlap and should 

 leave them about four inches apart each way. In the case of Egg Plant, 

 which sufl*ers if its roots are much disturbed, or any plants for which 

 special care is desired, this second shift should be into small pots or old 

 berry boxes. The latter and'^the various kinds of paper pots can later 

 be set directly in the field or'gardeii without removing the plants which 

 will soon send their roots out through the cracks or through the'paper 



