Prick out and pot on seedlings

When to do it

When seedlings are large enough to handle, usually after true leaves appear, before roots become tightly crowded.

What you need

• Small clean pots and suitable mix
• Dibber or spoon
• Water and labels

How to do it

1. Moisten the seedlings and prepare filled pots with a hole deep enough for the roots.
2. Lift a seedling from beneath with a dibber. Hold a seed leaf gently, never squeeze the stem.
3. Separate roots carefully while retaining as much root and mix as possible. Do not leave lifted seedlings drying on the bench.
4. Lower roots into the hole without folding them upwards. Set at the appropriate depth for the species, usually its previous level, and firm gently.
5. Water to settle and keep in bright sheltered conditions while growth resumes. Space pots so leaves receive light; acclimatise before planting out.

What success looks like

• Plants stay anchored and resume new growth.

Watch out for

• Pulling seedlings by their stems.
• Potting a tiny seedling into an oversized wet container.

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