What can be applied either in the planting hole or on the soil surface after transplanting?

Fertilizer is the best choice as it can be effectively applied in the planting hole during transplanting to provide essential nutrients to the plant right from the start. This method ensures that the roots can access the nutrients needed for growth immediately after being planted. Additionally, fertilizer can also be spread on the soil surface after transplanting, allowing for gradual nutrient release as it interacts with soil moisture and microbial activity. This versatility helps maintain soil fertility and supports healthy plant development over time.

Mulch, while beneficial for moisture retention and weed suppression, is typically applied only on the soil surface rather than in the planting hole. Pesticides are more focused on pest management and are not usually applied in a planting hole; their application timing and method depend on pest activity rather than plant growth. Water, although crucial for establishing new plants, serves a different purpose and is typically applied in a manner that promotes moisture availability, rather than as a nutrient source.