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when to prick out?

pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
in Tools and techniques

For the multiple seedlings in pots - when to prick out please?

If any seedling has its first pair of true leaves and is developing its second, is that a signal?

I'm a bit worried about how to go about the next phase of pricking out without damaging the seedlings, as they seem so tiny still - most are just starting to sprout tiny true leaves.

I know I need to invest in a dibber but it's how to get acquainted with that and not damage anything that worries me.

Thanks all,

PdG

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    Some seedlings are very tiny aren't they! Yes, once the true leaves appear they can be pricked out: I use an old fork under the compost to loosen them without doing damage to the roots. Larger seedlings should be held by the leaves, not the stem, and popped into their new tray or pot. You can use a pencil for a dibber. The smaller ones are fiddly but pretty tough. Really tiny seedlings like lobelia can be lifted out in small groups with the fork and planted together. You don't need to separate them into single plants.

  • pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182

    Hi Posy,

    Thanking you for your reply!

    Does that apply to any seedling, as some (agastache for example) are still miniscule even though they have their true leaves now?

    Good tip re: the fork, I shall try it.     I've got some serious thinning to do as the tiny ones were sown way too thickly, but I'm learning...

    If you get time, can you try and check my other post re: pricking out advice as need some tips there too please  :)

    PdG

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    To sow tiny ones, mix a very small pinch of seed with some dry silver sand or kid's play sand. Makes it easier to sprinkle them and you can see where they go.

    As long as they are not sown too thickly, you can wait until they are a bit larger before pricking out. Tiny little things are not going to exhaust the nutrients as fast as heftier seedlings like courgettesimage

    I use the pointy end of the seed label as a dibber. Just remember to put it back afterwardsimage

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