When is the best time to transplant chives in autumn?

As a perennial vegetable , the root system of leek will gradually age over time, and new roots will continue to grow. When the growth rate of new roots cannot keep up with the aging rate of old roots, leeks will enter the aging period. At this stage, even if fertilization is increased, it will not effectively promote growth due to the decreased absorption capacity of the root system. At this point, the only solution is to replant. So when is the best time to transplant leeks in autumn?

1. Choose the right time for transplanting

Chives have strong vitality and adaptability and can be transplanted almost all year round, but February to May in spring and August to October in autumn are the best periods. The environmental temperature during these two periods is suitable, similar to the repotting of flowers at home. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for transplanting, which is conducive to the rapid development of the root system and slow growth of seedlings. If you are not in a hurry to transplant, it is best to do it in spring when the trees sprout, which is more conducive to the rooting and growth of leeks.

2. Prune roots and leaves before transplanting

The roots of leeks need to be replaced by old ones. Unlike other vegetables, the roots and leaves need to be trimmed before transplanting. Pruning away old roots will help new roots grow. At the same time, it is also necessary to cut off some of the leaves that are too long, because the leaves that are too long will consume a lot of water and nutrients, causing the leaves to wilt after transplanting, which is not conducive to seedling growth. After pruning, the chives can take root and establish seedlings faster, thus growing quickly.

3. Root drying

Many people may not have heard that leeks need to have their roots dried in the sun. Unlike other vegetables, leeks need to have their roots dried after being dug out. The purpose of drying roots is to kill pathogens and insect eggs on the roots and to stimulate the germination of new roots. Root drying is also called root cooling. Usually after pruning the roots and leaves, the leeks are placed in the sun for a day to dry. Then the roots are soaked in water before transplanting to allow the roots to swell after drying. This way, after transplanting, the roots can quickly absorb water and promote rapid seedling growth.

4. Use wood ash when transplanting

Chives are a vegetable that likes fertilizer. People who often grow leeks know that leeks particularly like wood ash. Whether used as base fertilizer or top dressing, leeks grown with wood ash grow particularly dark green and have very few maggots. Therefore, when transplanting leeks, if you have wood ash at home, you can sprinkle some wood ash in the transplanting ditch or planting hole. This not only promotes the rapid rooting of leeks and provides rich potassium, but also kills bacteria and insect eggs, reduces the harm of underground pests, and ensures the healthy growth of leeks.

The above are the process and steps for transplanting leeks. I hope it will be helpful to everyone. Although leek is a "lazy man's vegetable", there are many issues that need to be paid attention to during its planting process.