Pricking out

About pricking out

Pricking out is an essential part of propagating plants sown in seedtrays. Once seedlings have germinated, they need space to establish a strong root system. It's important to prick out as soon as the plant is ready which is usually when the first true leaves emerge (ie the second set of leaves that emerge after the seed or cotyledon leaves). This isn't always true in the case of large seedlings like courgettes which may need pricking out before the true leaves appear.

What to do

How to prick out

• Prepare a cellular seed tray or individual pots with good potting compost and firm in well. Ideally the tray should be 7.5cm (3 in) deep to allow for the development of a strong root system.
• Water the compost so that it's just moist and using your finger or a dibber, make a hole that's wide and deep enough to accommodate the new plant.

• Choose the strongest seedlings as weaker plants are less likely to survive transplanting.
• Gently holding onto the seed leaves, use a dibber or pencil to ease the plant out of the compost, retaining as much root as possible.
• Always lift your seedlings one at a time and never hold by the stem or roots, as you can easily damage the plant.
• Resting the roots on your dibber, transfer your seedling to its new position.

• Lightly firm in the soil around the plant with your dibber, making sure the seed leaves are just above the level of the compost.
• Transplanted seedlings should be placed at least 3.7cm (1.5 in) apart.
• When you have finished pricking out your seedlings, water them in using a fine watering rose and place them on a windowsill where they will keep warm and receive adequate sunlight.

Five plants to try

• Cosmos
• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Tomatoes
• Beans