Learning how to transplant herbs is a fundamental skill for any gardener. Whether you’re moving seedlings to the garden or refreshing a pot-bound plant, doing it right ensures your herbs thrive.
Transplanting can seem tricky, but it’s really about gentle handling and good timing. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to aftercare. You’ll learn how to give your herbs the best possible start in their new home.
How to Transplant Herbs
This process applies to most common herbs, like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme. The core principles are the same, wheather you’re working with annuals or perennials.
When is the Best Time to Transplant Herbs?
Timing is crucial for reducing shock. Get this right, and your plants will recover quickly.
- For Outdoor Transplants: The ideal time is on a cloudy, cool day, either in the early morning or late afternoon. This avoids the stress of strong midday sun.
- Seasonally: Transplant after the last spring frost for tender herbs. For hardy perennials, early fall works well so they establish before winter.
- Plant Readiness: Seedlings should have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Potted herbs can be transplanted when they outgrow their container or look crowded.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Supplies
Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth and fast. You probably have most of these already.
- A trowel or small garden shovel
- New pots with drainage holes or a prepared garden bed
- High-quality potting mix for containers, or compost for garden beds
- Watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle
- Optional: A fork for loosening roots, gardening gloves, and a light mulch like straw or bark
Step-by-Step: Transplanting from a Pot
This is common for store-bought herbs or repotting indoor plants. Follow these numbered steps for success.
Step 1: Prepare the New Home
If using a new pot, ensure it’s 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the old one. Fill it partway with fresh, moist potting mix. For garden beds, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the current root ball. Mix some compost into the soil you removed.
Step 2: Water Thoroughly
Water the herb in its original pot about an hour before transplanting. This helps the root ball hold together and reduces stress. A dry root ball can fall apart to easily.
Step 3: Remove the Herb Gently
Turn the pot sideways. Support the base of the plant stem between your fingers. Gently squeeze the pot or tap its bottom to slide the plant out. Avoid pulling on the stems! If the plant is stuck, you can run a knife around the inside edge.
Step 4: Loosen the Roots
Inspect the root ball. If roots are densely coiled around the bottom (pot-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers. This encourages them to grow outward. For very tight roots, make a few shallow vertical cuts with a clean knife.
Step 5: Place and Plant
Set the herb in the new pot or hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface. Backfill around it with your soil mix, firming gently to remove large air pockets. Don’t pack it to tightly.
Step 6: Water and Settle
Give the plant a deep, gentle watering right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots. Add more soil if depressions form. Place the pot in a shaded, sheltered spot for 2-3 days to recover if it’s going outside.
Step-by-Step: Transplanting Seedlings
Moving young seedlings requires extra care. They are very delicate at this stage.
Step 1: Harden Off the Seedlings
If seedlings were started indoors, they need to acclimate to outdoor conditions. Over 7-10 days, gradually expose them to sun and wind, starting with just an hour outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garden Bed
Ensure the soil is loose, well-draining, and amended with compost. Have your holes ready so seedlings spend minimal time out of soil.
Step 3: Handle with Care
Use a spoon, pencil, or specialized tool to lift each seedling. Handle them by the leaves, not the fragile stem. If the leaves are damaged, the plant can recover, but a crushed stem often cannot.
Step 4: Plant at the Right Depth
Plant most seedlings at the same depth they were growing. Exceptions include tomatoes, but this is rare for herbs. Firm the soil lightly around the stem.
Step 5: Protect and Water
Water immediately with a soft spray. Consider using a temporary shade cloth or covering for a few days if the weather is very sunny or windy.
Essential Aftercare Tips
Your job isn’t done after planting. Proper aftercare prevents transplant shock and promotes growth.
- Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 1-2 weeks. This is critical for new root growth.
- Hold Off on Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize for at least 3-4 weeks. Fresh potting mix or amended soil has nutrients, and fertilizer can burn tender new roots.
- Monitor for Stress: Some wilting is normal. If it persists beyond a few days, provide more shade and ensure soil moisture is adequate.
- Pinch for Bushiness: For herbs like basil and mint, pinching off the top growth after transplanting encourages a bushier, fuller plant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Being aware of them helps you succeed.
- Transplanting at the Wrong Time of Day: Midday heat will wilt plants quickly. Always aim for cooler, cloudier times.
- Choosing a Pot Without Drainage: Herbs hate wet feet. Always ensure excess water can escape.
- Planting Too Deep: Burying the stem crown (where stem meets roots) can cause rot, especially in Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender.
- Overwatering After Transplanting: While moisture is key, waterlogged soil suffocates roots. Let the top inch dry slightly between waterings.
Special Considerations for Different Herbs
Not all herbs are exactly the same. Here’s how to handle a few specific types.
Mediterranean Herbs (Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Oregano)
These herbs prefer drier conditions. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix. Be extra careful not to overwater after transplanting. They are more prone to root rot if the soil stays moist.
Tender Annuals (Basil, Cilantro, Parsley)
These herbs are more forgiving but frost-sensitive. Transplant them only when nights are reliably warm. They benefit from richer soil and more frequent watering than Mediterranean herbs.
Spreading Herbs (Mint, Lemon Balm)
These are vigorous growers. It’s often best to transplant them into their own pots to prevent them from taking over a garden bed. Their roots are tough and can handle more handling.
FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered
How often should I transplant my potted herbs?
Most potted herbs need transplanting every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time for this routine repotting.
Can you transplant herbs in the summer?
It’s not ideal, but you can if you’re careful. Provide ample shade and water during the hottest part of the day. Transplant in the evening so the plant has the cooler night to start recovering.
Why are my herbs wilting after transplant?
Some wilting is normal due to transplant shock. Ensure the soil is moist and provide temporary shade. If wilting persists for days, check for overwatering or root damage during the move.
What is the best soil mix for transplanting herbs?
For containers, use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. For Mediterranean herbs, add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. In garden beds, mix in several inches of compost before planting.
Is it better to transplant herbs in the morning or evening?
Evening is generally better than morning. The plant then has the entire night to rehydrate and adjust before facing the sun again. Early evening is the perfect time.
Transplanting herbs is a simple process once you know the key steps. The most important things are gentle handling, good timing, and proper aftercare. With this knowledge, you can confidently move your herbs to larger pots or into your garden, ensuring they continue to grow healthy and strong for season to come. Remember, every gardener loses a plant now and then, so don’t be discouraged. Each transplant is a chance to learn and improve your technique.