Tips for successful buying and planting

February 26, 9:02 AMGardening ExaminerRobin Ripley

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Most plants are amazingly hearty and will survive with even rugged treatment. But to give them the best start in life, following these tips for successful buying and transplanting.

- Seedlings should be stocky with signs of new growth rather than spindly and leggy looking. Also look for good color, avoiding off-color plants.

- Smaller plants are usually the better bargain, particularly if your choice is an overly-mature plant. They will also quickly catch up to the larger plants once transplanted into the garden.

- Inspect the leaves and stems for signs of pests or disease. Do not buy problem plants since they are unlikely to recover and could expose other plants into your garden to pests and disease.

- Be prepared to hold plants in a protected location if the weather or soil conditions aren't ready for transplanting. Container plants dry out quickly, so make sure you water regularly. You can also heel in plants into a temporary location, which holds moisture better than containers.

- If plants have been in a greenhouse or other protected location, gradually harden them off for a few days prior to transplanting by keeping them sheltered in the harshest part of the day and exposing them when conditions are milder.

- Transplanting is best done on a cloudy day and late in the afternoon to prevent plants from wilting.

- In general, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of the plants, mixing soil and compost back into the hole until you have the right size for the root ball. Press soil firmly around the roots as you transplant them to ensure no air pockets remain.

- Water with a weak, liquid fertilizer or starter such as fish emulsion or manure tea.

- Keep an eye out on new transplants to make sure they don't dry out. You may also need to protect the smallest of plants from winds and sun for a few days by creating a cloche (a kind of improvised mini-greenhouse) from milk jugs or other materials to put over them.

You for reading! You can reach me at gardeningexaminer@gmail.com and can follow me on Twitter at @RobinRipley.

Did you also know I write about fresh foods? You can read my food columns at the D.C. Fresh Foods Examiner.

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