Tomato plants have the ability to generate roots along their stems, which is why it’s beneficial to plant them deeply. However, most plants can’t produce roots from stem tissue. Burying a plant’s stem will usually cause rot or even the death of the plant. As a general rule, a plant should be replanted at the same depth it was growing initially. This holds true whether you’re transplanting zinnia seedling grown in a 6-pack, a shrub in a 2-gallon pot, or a tree that’s been ball-and-burlapped (B&B).

More Transplanting Techniques

 Seedlings will develop best if there is only one plant per pot. Instead of trying to untangle two seedlings that have germinated in the same pot, use a scissors to trim off the unwanted plant. Cut it off right at the soil surface, and you won’t disturb the remaining seedling.

 Use a small utensil, such as a table knife, to lift the transplants out of their original pots. Hold seedlings by their leaves — not their stems, as it is easy to crush the delicate stem tissues.

 Make sure you choose a pot that's wide enough and deep enough for the transplants. A 4" diameter pot that is 3-4" deep is usually adequate.

 Don't forget to fertilize your seedlings regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer, such as PHC for Seedlings.