Author: Natalie Hoidal, UMN Extension Educator for local foods and vegetable production Spring temperatures have been cool across the state, and some of you may be holding onto your transplants longer than usual. In Minnesota this May, we’ve accumulated anywhere from 35 to 75 fewer growing degree days than what we would see in an average May. There are a few things you can do to slow down transplant growth prior to transplanting, and to reduce transplant shock: Before transplanting Limit growth if you need to hold transplants longer than expected If your plants are starting to stretch and you’re not ready to transplant into the field, there are a few ways you can reduce growth and stem elongation. By lowering the overall temperature of your greenhouse or high tunnel, plant growth will slow down. This may also help to harden off your plants and reduce transplant shock. Another option is to simply bring your plants outside during the day if doing so is feasible with the scale...
