Some simple precautions are required before planting out plants that have been reared under glass.

Hardening off;

Tender plants require special care when planting out, as the climate outdoors can be a shock after the warm growing conditions found under cover.

Before planting out, 'harden off' for at least a fortnight by keeping plants in a cold frame with good ventilation by day and closed at night or in cold weather.

A make shift arrangement consisting of a double layer of fleece laid over the plants for a week, followed by a week under a single sheet can achieve a similar effect if you do not own a cold frame.

Preparing the soil;

For best results the soil should be fertile, moist and well cultivated.

If the ground has not been dug before/during winter, fork it over as soon as the soil is dry enough.

Prepare the planting sites for bedding plants by raking in a general fertilizer at a rate of 2-3oz (50-90gm) per sq metre. (see manufacturers instruction)

Planting out;

Delay any planting until all risk of frost has passed.

Have some agro- fleece covering at the ready for protection should there be a late cold snap.

Before planting out, ensure that the roots of bedding plants are moist.

If plants are densely packed in trays it is best to knock out the entire root mass, and pull them apart by hand to minimise root damage.

Allow adequate space between plants for subsequent spread.

Form a hole just larger than the root ball with a trowel, and plant so that the top of the root ball is just covered.

When refilling gently firm the ground around the rootball.

Note; Plants transplanted while in flower invest energy in producing more flowers rather than roots, prevent this by picking off all flowers and buds before planting.

Watering;

In dry spells water enough to wet the soil to a depth of 150mm(6”), allowing surplus water to drain away before planting.

See here for planting out under trees.