Hydroponics plants grow without soil and may have better yields than plants grown in soil. But what if you want to transfer them to a permanent garden bed? Is it possible?
Although hydroponics need careful consideration for nutrients, they are easy to care for. However, you need to take careful steps to transfer them to a soil medium. This article looks at how to transfer hydroponic plants to soil without affecting their growth.
Can Hydroponic Plants be Transplanted into Soil?
Although hydroponic plants can grow in soil, not all plants can thrive after transplanting. So you need to have a proper care plan to transition the plants successfully.
Some factors may affect whether the plants thrive after transplantation. Hydroponic plants with delicate roots have a higher risk of getting transplant shock and die when removed from a hydroponic system. However, plants with robust root systems tend to adapt better to the change.
Furthermore, different plants have varied nutrient requirements and they may survive in soil medium because a hydroponic stem is easy to manipulate the nutrient profile.
It is also easier to transplant plants with a longer lifecycle than perennial plants. Moreover, it is easier to transplant healthy plants because they can withstand the shock of transplantation.
Plants that thrive even after transplantation include leafy greens such as spinach and kale, herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and basil, and other plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and certain types of beans.
It is important to research specific plant species before you transplant them to cater to their unique challenges and needs. Check on those that require more care and attention during the process.
Some plants get transplant shock which is when the sudden change in moisture and nutrients affect the roots and cause growth to slow down or stop because it cannot adjust to the changes. Some plants adapt faster while others don’t and often die off.
How to Transfer Hydroponic Plants to Soil Step by Step
1. Choose the right time
The first important step is to choose the right time to transplant the hydroponics. Avoid a time when there is extreme weather and avoid when it is too cold or too hot.
2. Reduce water supply
A week before transplanting the hydroponic plants, reduce the water supply. When the plants have less access to water the rots grow longer to try and reach the hydroponics system.
This helps them to transition to the soil better where the roots will have to grow towards the nutrients. The roots also become tougher and will be ready to grow quickly into the soil.
3. Prepare the pots
It is advisable to move the hydroponic plant to a pot first before planting in your indoor or outdoor garden. This helps the plant to harden before it can survive in a regular garden. It also makes it easier to transfer the roots since they will be used to the soil medium.
4. Prepare the growing medium
Choose a well-draining soil with organic nutrients for better transition. Hydroponic plants get plenty of nutrition from the liquid growth medium so you also have to provide the same by enriching the soil with essential nutrients.
The right soil gives the roots the ability to grow well and toughen up just as it was in the hydroponic system. Moisten the soil with water without overwatering which may cause root rot.
5. Remove the plant from the hydroponic system
Before you remove the plant water them a day or two before transplanting to keep them hydrated and prevent damage to the roots.
On the day of transplanting, remove the plants carefully from the system and handle the roots with care. Rinse the roots to remove any residual solution which may cause an imbalance in the soil.
6. Transplant the plant
Then dig a small hole in the soil in the pot that is enough to fit the roots. Move the plant to the pot as quickly as possible. The root should have the same depth in the soil as it was in the hydroponic system.
Cover the roots with soil and gently press it around the plant. Water the plant slightly to help it settle in the soil. You can add some fertilizer to the water to boost the nutrients in the soil.
7. Plant care after transplanting
During the first week water the plant with a spray bottle every day. But cut down slowly after the first week. As the roots toughen they will need less water.
If the hydroponic plants had an indoor set up you need to give gradual sun exposure for a better transition.
Keep the pot near bright light without too much sun exposure to enhance the growth. Increase the exposure gradually to help the plant get used to the outdoor conditions
Continue to care for the plant just like other plants with regular watering, and sun exposure, and add more nutrients.
FAQs
- How do you keep hydroponic plants alive?
To keep your hydroponic plant alive, ensure to change the water every two weeks, add nutrient boost, and keep the plants in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Is hydroponic grow time better than soil?
Hydroponic systems save space and give better yields compared to regular gardening. However, soil is still a good growing medium if you provide the right conditions such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Why do my hydroponic plants keep dying?
Hydroponic plants may die if the growing medium does not provide the right conditions such as PH levels.
- What makes hydroponic plants grow faster?
Hydroponic plants grow faster because it is easy to attain the required blend of nutrients and deliver them directly to the root system.
- What are the 3 nutrients needed for hydroponic planting?
The three essential nutrients for hydroponic plants include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
Final Thoughts
In order to successfully transfer hydroponic plants to the soil, you need to check on the key factors such as the timing, the growth medium, watering, and choosing the right pot.
How well the plants transition depends on the species of the plant and the process that you use to transplant them. Check out for wilting, drooping, or changes in the color of leaves, and make adjustments when the need arises to ensure the hydroponic plants survive in the soil medium.
Hope this article gave you great tips to transition your hydroponic plants to soil and watch them flourish. Share your outcome in the comment section below.
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December 14, 2023 at 4:19 pm[…] How to Transfer Hydroponic Plants to Soil […]