Pricking out Seedlings a How to Guide
A Guide to Successfully Repotting Seedlings Plants
Seedlings are delicate and require proper care and attention to ensure healthy growth. One crucial step in this process is the pricking out of seedlings. Pricking out seedlings involves transferring young plants from their initial seed tray into individual pots. This process allows the plants to develop strong roots and thrive as they mature.
When to Prick out Seedlings
Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach a height of approximately 25mm or when the first true leaves appear. The first leaves on a seedling are the cotyledon leaves, which are part of the embryo and are not considered true leaves. The first true leaves will have a different shape and will be the first leaves that emerge from the seedling’s stem.
How to Prick out Seedlings
To prick out seedlings, first, gently loosen the soil around the seedlings using a short 100mm cane or dibber gardening tool. Be sure to hold the seedling by the leaves and not the stem, as the stem is fragile and can easily break.
Next, carefully lift the seedling out of the soil, taking care to remove as much of the root system as possible. It is essential to handle the roots gently to avoid damage. Once the seedling has been removed from the soil, place it in a 9 to 12 cm pot filled with John Innes number one or potting compost.
Using the cane or dibber, create a hole in the centre of the compost. Lower the roots of the seedling into the hole and gently push the compost around the roots, taking care not to firm it in too much. It is important to plant the seedling at the same level it was growing in the seed tray.
After planting, water the seedling well with a watering can fitted with a fine rose. This helps to settle the compost around the roots and removes any air pockets. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the initial period after repotting.
Why is Pricking out Seedlings Important
Pricking out seedlings is crucial to ensure that young plants have enough space to develop a strong root system. This process allows the plants to have access to more nutrients and water, which are essential for healthy growth. If seedlings are left in a seed tray for too long, they can become root-bound, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yields.
It is important to prick out seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle. If plants are left in a seed tray for too long, they will become root-bound and the process of repotting will shock the plant, stunting growth and delaying the development of healthy roots.
Pricking out seedlings is an essential step in the successful cultivation of healthy plants. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your seedlings will thrive as they mature into full-grown plants. With proper care and attention, your seedlings will develop strong roots and produce a bountiful harvest.