Seedlings generally crowd in the container you have sowed them, it is very essential to prick them and plant in their individual container or designated places. Our indoor seedling guide helps gardeners in pricking out extra plants and carefully planting them in their places. The saplings or seedlings which we buy in pots from plant nurseries too have more than one plant growing in the same pot. After sowing your seeds they germinate, the seedlings if left to grow in the same pot will crowd the pot or container and cause damages hence it is better to prick them during their younger days and plant them in their respective containers.

When the seedlings are tender and young, its is important to get things ready before pricking and replanting them. We can proceed with it as stated below:

Preparing containers is the most important thing to be done before proceeding with anything. The containers should be washed and disinfected using soapy water. Containers should have drain holes in the base, a medium size container should have atleast three holes and the count may vary as per the size. You may consider labeling the containers using permanent markers, other details such as the planting date, any specific practice etc. too may be noted on the label. This helps in recognizing the plant easily and also to keep records thereof.

Place the desired amount of potting soil in a dry place. The soil should be any home made potting mix or other commercial mix bought from the store. It should be damp and not cold, use this soil to fill half the containers before planting, let the soil settle in the container before you introduce the seedling in it.

Seedlings are delicate and weak, they should be handled with utmost care. Water the seedlings well before pricking them out, avoid any activity which may cause stress to the seedlings. Place the seedling tray sideways on a dry surface away from the sun. Force the seedling out of its container by pressing the container bottom, make sure not to damage the roots by pressing harder or handling rough.

Once the seedling is free from its tray, gently place it in its container and slowly start adding soil until the desired limit. Keep pressing the soil gently so as to fill in the gaps and water them every few minutes. Keep the seedling at the same place where it was growing for atleast a week before moving it to direct sunlight.

Most seedlings thrive in the new containers and show signs of growth within ten days. Once they develop new leaves and start growing you can shift them to a sunny area. If the plants don’t show enough stability it is advisable not to move them as the plants may progress better at its old place. New places may be traumatic for plants as well and they may need some extra nourishment and strength to thrive. With optimum care and proper assistance the seedlings will surely show good progress in the new containers or garden beds. If you have some other ways of pricking seedlings or your new experiences to share, we would surely like to hear from you in the comments below.