Are you wondering if you can transplant your hydroponic plants to the soil? The straight-up answer is yes! You can definitely transplant your hydroponic plants into the dirt and we will teach you how to go about it successfully. So, read on to learn.
Transplanting hydroponics into the dirt is not a straightforward process to venture into. You have to consider and follow some fundamental processes for a smooth transition so your plant does not go into shock. Following the right procedure, will allow you to achieve a better performing and healthy plant.
Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil
Transplanting your hydroponic plants into the soil can be done from cuttings or seedlings. Small Rockwool starter plugs or rapid rooter plugs can as well be used in cuttings and seedlings and transplanting them into the soil.
Steps On Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil
To transplant your hydroponic into the soil, you first transplant it into a potting container. When they have grown and mastered the changes between indoors and outdoors, you can now transplant them into your outdoor garden.
Before you begin handling your hydroponic plants you wish to transplant, ensure you have all your materials available and set especially for fragile seedlings. This way, you don’t leave your fragile plants to linger and you can start right away. Also, the tender plant root can venture and transit seamlessly into the dirt.
Another thing before you transplant is to allow the water level in your hydroponic garden to drop and stay low for a few days. Also, don’t put or feed your hydroponic plant with direct LED light but put it close to the light and allow it to search for light.
Do this for a week or two. This way, the plant starts to adjust and harden off preparing for the outdoor experience.
Materials required for transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil include:
- A growing pot or container
- Water for your plants
- Plant from your hydroponic system
- Soil
Step 1
Get the growing pot you want to use to transplant. Obtain a pot size that fits the size of your plant. If you are planting a big plant, you should obtain a big pot and the pot should be wide and deep. This way, there is adequate room for growth and there’s space for the root which is important for your plant transition. Give your transplanted plant about 4 to 6 inches of space deep to allow them to grow. If your plants are grown and sticks together, carefully separate by breaking them up. Be careful because the plant can be prone to shock.
Step 2
Add your growing medium into the pot. Use a growing medium that has a buffer. You can make use of a potting soil mix that contains compost manure and some perlite. Spread or dig up a hole in your soil and put the hydroponic plant into the growing container and fit it through. Surround it with additional soil and adjust the plant until it’s fixed and sturdy.
Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite Mix – For Indoor and OutdoorÂ
Step 3
The next important step is to water immediately. Always keep the soil moist because hydroponic plants are used to regular water.
Step 4
The next step is the feed them with sunlight. Take note to give them only some duration of sunlight. Do not keep them outdoors for long. They need to adjust to sunlight intensity and go through the stage of hardening. This way, they can get accustomed to sunlight and last in outdoor temperatures.
Plant Shock
If you followed the right procedure, your plant should come out well. However, your transplanted plant may suffer from shock and it’s not a rare thing to occur. Not too worry. It’s most likely the hydroponic plant transplanted is going through some recovery process as it enters shock.
You may start to notice the leaves getting soft or falling off. All you need to do is to give it some time. As the plant drops most of its leaves, new leaves will emerge as the plant recovers from shock in a couple of weeks. Always maintain a moist soil and allow the root to adjust and let it look for nutrients from the soil. This way, your plant will start to come back.
When your plants have fully recovered and are now resilient, they can now be placed outdoors.
FAQ’s
Can you repot hydroponic plants to soil?
You can, but it's not easy. You'd have to be able to find the roots and then remove them from the pot, then replant them into a new pot of soil, preferably with some compost mixed in as well.
It's a good idea to start with a small plant, and then build up the amount of potting mix. You should use as much potting mix as you need for the size of the plant you are growing. It's a good idea to make a couple of small pots to test out your plants first. You can put the plants in the soil, but it will take them some time to adjust.
How do you transplant hydroponic seedlings?
Before you start transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil you need to decide whether you want to transplant the whole plant or just the roots. If you are just starting out in hydroponics I recommend that you just transplant the roots.
You can do this by using a large pot and filling it with a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Once the pot is full of the mixture you can take the hydroponic plant and place it in the center of the pot. Then take your knife and cut a hole in the bottom of the pot about two inches in diameter.
Next take your roots and place them into the hole. Now fill the rest of the pot with more of the peat moss mixture. After you have put in all of the roots fill the rest of the pot with soil and water the plant.
The most important rule to remember is that you must keep the roots wet. If the roots are dry they will die and you will lose your whole hydroponic garden.
The best way to transplant seedlings is to use a flat. I have a 5 gallon container with a lid that has a hole in the bottom, and I put my seedlings in there and then cover them with plastic wrap. The plastic will keep the soil moist while they are growing. Then when they are big enough, I take out the plastic and put them in bigger pots.
Can you use any seeds for hydroponics?
Yes, you can.
For seeds, I'd suggest starting out with the best quality seeds. You could buy them from a reputable grow shop, or you can try to get them for free. The main thing to look for is good germination rates.
What vegetables can be planted using a hydroponic system?
You can grow any vegetable in a hydroponic system, as long as you provide the correct nutrients and lighting for the specific plant.
What is the most profitable hydroponic crop to grow?
Lettuce is the crops that do best in hydroponics.
Transplanting Hydroponic Plants
Transplanting hydroponic plants into the soil is really a practical process carried out by most growers. It might be somewhat tough to achieve especially for beginners, however, it’s worth the try.
But if in the end, it does not work out, you have the choice of carrying on with your hydroponic system.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.