When transplanting plants such as tomatoes or peppers, use a starter solution.
Some crops can be removed from containers for planting, while others are best transplanted in containers, as indicated in Table 4. When transplanting plants such as tomatoes or peppers, use a starter solution. Purchase starter solution at a nursery or make your own by mixing 2 to 3 cups of fertilizer (such as 10-20-10) in 5 gallons of water. Use the lower rate on light, sandy soils. Pour 1 to 2 pints of starter solution (depending on plant size) into each transplant hole before planting. This keeps the plants from drying out and gives the young, growing plants the nutrients they need.