Crop Transplant Risk Scorer

First, the calculator assigns a baseline transplant tolerance based on the crop you choose. Then it adjusts upward or downward using root disturbance sensitivity and root architecture (taproot/delicate crops generally score higher). Next it accounts for transplant stage and applies a growing-conditions penalty (warm/cold stress and drought-prone conditions increase risk). The final 0–100 score becomes a verdict and also powers a “key drivers” list showing what pushed the risk up or down most.

Two gardeners can get very different results for the same crop if one is transplanting larger, more mature seedlings or if conditions are already stressful. Root disturbance sensitivity and root architecture are especially influential: a taproot or delicate root system usually increases failure risk unless you transplant very young and keep handling gentle. The tool also assumes average technique and healthy plants—if seedlings are stressed, root-bound, or dry at transplant time, real-world risk can be higher than the score suggests.

If your score is High (60–100), the calculator recommends direct seeding unless you have a special reason to transplant—this is most likely when the crop has fragile roots (taproot/delicate) and you’re transplanting beyond the smallest stage or under warm/drought stress. If root disturbance sensitivity is set to low but the output still shows High risk, the elevated verdict is likely being driven by crop choice and/or extreme conditions/stage. If you select drought-prone conditions with a larger seedling, you should expect the tool to warn about elevated failure risk—plan to reduce stress or seed directly if possible.

This score is a simplified transplant-risk estimate—it does not directly account for pests, disease pressure, exact soil texture, or microclimate differences. It also assumes your plants are healthy and that transplant handling is “average” (not ideal bare-root practices or highly advanced plug systems unless your workflow matches the inputs). Use the verdict as a decision aid, then confirm with practical steps like gentle handling, appropriate hardening off, and timely watering.