How to prick out seedlings into modules

Learning objectives:

Seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

| Modules

Small individual cells, usually in a tray, used for sowing seeds. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance.

| Trowel | Compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

| Roots | Germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light.

| Watering | Trays

Ensure your seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

are well watered before you prick them out. Have all the materials to hand to reduce the time it takes to transfer the seedlings. Be careful and gentle when handling seedlings. Try not to pull them and aim to keep as much of the roots as possible.

1. First fill the module tray with potting compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

. Make sure there is enough in each hole or cell

2. Make sure the compost is evenly spread and tap the tray on the bench a couple of times to make sure it is level

3. Ensure the seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

to be pricked out are well watered beforehand. You can tap the tray on its edges to loosen it a little

4. Carefully use a dibber

A small stick used to make holes in potting compost for sowing seeds or transplanting small seedlings. Various items can be repurposed as dibbers, including pencils, plant labels and chop sticks.

, pencil or label to poke in under the seedling. ALWAYS hold the seedling by its leaves never by the stem

5. Ease out the root without damaging it. One seedling will go in each cell of the module tray

6. Move the seedling over to the module tray, make a hole with the dibber in the middle and place the seedling in up to its leaves. Finally, label and water in