The invention relates to a method and apparatus for regular delivery of seedlings in a planting vehicle to the soil wherein a seedling transportation apparatus (1) for a transplanting machine is mounted on a planting vehicle, comprising transfer means (3) for removing the seedlings (2) from a tray (29) and for depositing them in a series on a first horizontal conveyor (4). The apparatus comprises also a selector device for removing improper seedlings (5) before or during advancement thereof towards a third downwardly directed conveyor (6) for receiving and advancing the remaining proper seedlings towards the soil area (7) for the planting operation in the field. The apparatus comprises further separate buffer means (8) between the outlet (16) of said first and the inlet ( 17) of said third conveyor for carrying said proper seedlings to said inlet ( 17) and means for driving said buffer means (8) at a speed that is linked to the speed of the third conveyor (6). <IMAGE>
