Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to prick off


You will need: Pots, Multipurpose Compost, Dibber or Pencil, Seed tray, Watering Can

Sowing seed, like these tomatoes, in a pot or seed tray is space-efficient, but there will come a point when the young seedlings need to be moved into individual pots so they have the room to continue growing.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to prick off

The first leaves produced by a new seedling are called 'seed leaves' and usually look different to the later 'true' leaves of the plant. Once the seed leaves have fully expanded, you can safely begin to repot them.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to prick off

Use a dibber or pencil to gently ease the seedlings out of the compost. Only ever handle them by holding a leaf. Break the leaf and it will grow another: break or bruise the stem and the seedling may die.

Step 3

Step 3 of How to prick off

Still holding the seedling by a leaf, lower the roots into a hole in the new compost. Do not press the compost down around it, simply tap the side of the pot gently with the flat of your hand.

Step 4

Step 4 of How to prick off

Water gently to settle the compost around the roots and get the seedlings off to a good start.

Related FAQs


Sorry but we could not find anything related to this project

Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


/

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

/

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia



Watch a Video!

Storing Gladiolus Bulbs
Storing Gladiolus Bulbs
How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?
How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?
How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
How do I treat liverwort?
How do I treat liverwort?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
How to Grow Perennial Scabius