How to pot up plug plants

Plug plants can be seeds or cuttings that have been grown in modular trays for easier handling and potting on.

Learning objectives:
  • Choose healthy plug plants to pot up
  • Prepare pots and soil
  • Learn how to plant plug plants and cover roots with soil
  • Water and are for the new potted plants
Curriculum links:
  • Science: Observing and describing plant growth and health
  • Design and Technology: Using tools and materials safely to pot up plants
  • PSHE: Encouraging responsibility and care for living things

Jump to

Key vocabulary

Pot | Soil | Plant | Roots | Water | Tray | Growth | Care

Introduction

Ensure that your plug plants (seeds or cuttings) are sufficiently rooted to enable them to be handled. The roots and compost should be firmly bound together to form a plug when removed from the module tray. Ensure they are well watered before potting on.

Step-by-step

 1. Plug plants are seeds or cuttings that have been grown in small celled module trays, usually in a greenhouse

 2. Make sure you have compost, pots and the plants on your bench. It's a good idea to fill the new pots with compost at this point

 3. Remove the plug gently from the tray- you may need to poke a pencil up through the hole in the base to loosen it

 4. Check your plug plant has strong roots and is ready to be potted into a bigger pot

 5. Make a larger hole than the plug plant on each pot or section of the module and place the plant in it. Tap the tray and firm the plants in

 6. Move your potted plants to another area where they can be watered in and grown on

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