Many factors influence the quality of transplants produced in a conventional plant bed. Producers have begun to look at alternatives due to numerous problems associated with conventional plant beds and because of current labor shortages. The float system of producing transplants in a water bed using floating trays has shown promise as an alternative. Labor requirements are shifted to an earlier time when demand for labor is less. Less skilled labor can be utilized. With plant pulling eliminated, more plants can be transplanted per day or more time allotted for other farming operations. In the float system floating trays are filled with a soilless mix and tobacco seedlings are transferred into the trays. Plants are floated continuously in greenhouse or outside systems for approximately four weeks until transplanting. Plants are transplanted directly from the trays into the field using a conventional transplanter. The primary benefit of using float plants has been an increase in uniformity of plants. Uniformity of plants can improve pesticide coverage for better control of insects and suckers. Improvements in transplant survival is insignificant. Increased yields have not been a consistent benefit. However, under severe transplant shock improvements may occur.