Transplanting your Heirloom

 May 24th is fast approaching... historically this is when we are free to plant as the chance of frost is very low.  Click here for more information.  At this point you should be bringing your heirlooms outside on nice days and keeping them out overnight if the temp stays above 10 degrees C (somewhere sheltered from potential wind).  If you are finding that your heirloom is getting really big and it is need of watering once or twice everyday, you should think about doing an intermediate transplant for the last 2 weeks.

Why do an intermediate transplant so close to the final garden transplant?
The main reason for this transplant is because your heirlooms have outgrown their pots and become a bit root bound.  If your heirlooms are still in the 3.5" potter from purchase and they are bigger than a foot high, you should probably transplant.  Below are a couple of pictures of a plant that should be transplanted for the next couple of weeks.

 This heirloom is about 1.5' high.  As discussed in one of the planting videos, height is important because we want to plant deep so the heirloom creates feeder roots along its stem.  It should be noted that this is unique to vine plants only.  If you are planting peppers for instance, do not bury the stem deep... you will kill the plant.

Notice the root ball is starting to wrap around itself.  Before transplanting, we need to loosen the roots so they spread outwards into the new soil.

Releasing the roots to spread outward is key.  Like a parent, be firm but gentle.  Release some of the dirt from the bottom and gently massage the roots away from each other.  The picture below shows what it should look like.

What Size pot should I use?
For the intermediate transplant, use a pot that is just a bit bigger than the original planter.  It is not recommended that you transplant into something large because excess soil will keep excess moisture which can promote root rot.  You are also planning to replant into the ground in a couple weeks so you want the soil to hold together.  Try to use a good quality potting soil or triple mix that is light a fluffy.  Don't use the dollar store stuff that come in a small bag but seems to weigh 10 pounds... It will hold too much water and promote root rot.  After transplant, keep your heirlooms out of direct sun for 24 hours as it adjusts.  Keep the soil moist so the roots can get settled in to their new surroundings.