[Benandbill]

I know onions, for example, do not like root disturbance, but what about others.

Although I usually put broad beans straight in the ground and do alright this year I'm potting a few to start them off until I know exactly where I want to put them.  I've manured the majority of my plot very well and obviously want to take full advantage of this.  If I just put them into the ground with all the earth they've grown in still around them, is this defeating the object of the manuring, or could I pull them out by the shoots and plant the roots straight into the manured ground?  Forgive me if this is a bit of a daft question but I can't be the first person to have wondered about this?

[mumofstig]

put them in with the earth around them - they'll grow out into the manured soil with no problem 

[Trillium]

That's the beauty of roots - they're search for anywhere they can find food. Same with water.


Should have added that all veg/plants with taproots (main vertical root) will do badly if moved as the tip will be damaged and that sets back the whole plant. A few others like cukes, melons, beetroot and such also dislike being moved. Some people say they have good luck regardless, but they'd have superior luck if they hadn't moved those plants.

[Benandbill]

Thanks for your responses.  I've put two beans in per pot in case onedoesn't germinate.  If I get pots with 2 coming through, I'll pull one out and plant straight in the manure then and plant the other with the compost still around it.  I'm getting excited now.  I know there's supposed to be snow on the way again, but I can still feel spring just around the corner!  :happy:

[Totty]

Plants in the bean family don't mind being transplanted at all. You will get better results by sowing seed in nice potting compost under cover, thus controlling amounts of water. This way you won't get as many rot as you may if planted straight into the ground at this time of year. Leave the soil/compost around the roots upon planting. I try to think of manuring as feeding the soil rather than the plants directly, and as soon as the roots have used up all they need from your potting mix they will go and search for food elsewhere as already mentioned.

Totty