Planting in a Heat Wave

Transplanting in the heat is tough and far from ideal but when you farm in a hot climate, you have to learn how to make it work. I’m a huge fan of working with the weather- makes everything easier but sometimes the weather conspires against you. But over the years, I’ve learned a few things.

If it’s a short heat wave, just wait. If the heat will pass within a week- it’s better to wait. Most seedlings won’t become rootbound in a week, unless you are already behind and in that case—

Follow these tips for transplanting in the heat successfully:
1. Make sure your seedlings are well watered. I like to soak my trays/pots in a tub filled with water and a weak dilution of fish emulsion. Well watered and fertilized seedlings are going to adjust better once planted.

2. Harden off your seedlings well. I spend a week minimum hardening off seedlings in the heat. Begin by placing your seedlings in a shady area, then after a day or two move them to a sunnier position. If your seedlings have been grown outside, just make sure they spend a few days in an environment similar to their final home before you plant them. Don’t skip the hardening off process— It’s pretty much the most crucial step to avoiding transplant shock.

3. Soak the area where you will be planting. This will cool down the soil and also helps the first transplants to go in to adjust— this is pretty crucial if you are planting a long row. On long rows, stop and water in your seedlings half way through.
4. Water in seedlings after planting. Even if your row is soaked and the seedlings went in well watered— Water them in so you settle the soil around the roots.
5. If possible, transplant on a cloudy day or in early evening. This timing/weather gives the plants more time to acclimate before the fireball of death hits them.
6. Water, water, water— You will probably need to water them again on the same day you planted them unless it was early evening. Then water first thing in the morning. They may need twice a day watering for a few days. If you can plant before a rainstorm, even better. Hand water even if you have irrigation laid because the irrigation may not be enough when the plant roots haven’t stretched out much yet. A sprinkler on a timer can also help keep the plants cool as well as watered.
7. Adjust your expectations. You will loose some plants. It’s hot and less than ideal conditions. Take notes on how many plants you loose. Make notes for the next time to grow more plants so that you can save some and fill in holes a week or two later. Shade can be helpful if you have an easy way to provide it. But a well hardened off plant will adjust quickly, especially if you keep it watered.

Transplanting in the heat is not a plant it and forget it time. Use technology to remind you to water. I’m constantly making notes on my phone or setting timers/alarms so I don’t forget. It’s a shame when you spend several weeks growing out a plant and then kill it within a few days of planting it. But these tips should help. (Grow some back up plants too!)

Soon you’ll have beautiful bouquets- right in your backyard!