As a general rule, a plant should be replanted at the same depth it was growing initially. This holds true whether you're transplanting zinnia seedling grown in a 6-pack, a shrub in a two gallon pot, or a tree that's been ball-and-burlapped.
Tomato plants are different. They have the ability to generate roots along their stems, which is why it's beneficial to plant them deeply. However, most plants do not produce roots from stem tissue. Burying a plant's stem will usually cause rot or even the death of the plant.
Seedlings grow 40% larger with no transplant shock in self-watering Pop-Out Pots, at left.
More Transplanting Techniques
Seedlings will develop best if there is only one plant per pot. Instead of trying to untangle two seedlings that have germinated in the same pot, use a scissors to trim off the unwanted plant. Cut it off right at the soil surface, and you won't disturb the remaining seedlings.
Use a small utensil, such as a table knife, to lift the transplants out of their original pots. Hold seedlings by their leaves — not their stems, as it is easy to crush the delicate stem tissues.
Make sure you choose a pot that's wide enough and deep enough for the transplants. A 4-inch diameter pot that is 3-4 inches deep is usually adequate.
Use a high-quality soilless potting mix, which can contain perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, bark or coco coir, all of which help to lighten the soil. Garden soil is too heavy and compacted for container use, preventing air, water and nutrients from reaching the root zone.
Make sure you choose a pot that's wide enough and deep enough for the transplants. A 4-inch diameter pot that is 3-4 inches deep is usually adequate. Don't forget to fertilize your seedlings regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Plant Health Care for Seedlings.
Most tomato seedlings are ready to move from the seed starting trays and into a larger container when they are three to four inches tall and have three or more sets of leaves. They should be transplanted into a larger container at least four weeks before planting outdoors so the root system has a chance to develop.
Tomato seedlings should be transplanted from the seed starter tray when they have three sets of leaves and are about three inches tall. The plants should be transplanted to the garden when the last chance of spring frost has passed.
After planting, water deeply at the base of the plant. Water early in the morning, if possible. Tomatoes need between 1-2 inches of water per week depending on the weather conditions. Be sure to fertilize with about one pint of a starter solution or dilute fish emulsion around each transplant.
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