When are plants pricked out?

Wait for the right moment

When the right time comes depends on the species. Each seed takes a different amount of time to sprout and develop the first cotyledons. The subsequent growth rate is based on the environmental conditions. With some varieties it is time after seven to ten days. Every gardener seems to follow his own rules when singling out. Ideally, seedlings are isolated when they have developed the first pair of leaves and the stem has achieved sufficient stability.

Advantages of separation:

• Young plants receive even light
• Roots develop without competition
• Seedlings develop more vigorously

Choosing the right soil

From now on, the young plants need a little more nutrients, whereby a substrate that is too rich in nutrients leads to root burns. Mix one up Potting soil from garden or Potting soil, Sand and some compost and fill them into the small plant pots.

Which plant pots are suitable?

The material plays a subordinate role. You can use a variety of plastic containers, which will give your culture ample opportunity for healthy growth. The majority of all vegetables thrive ideally in pots with a diameter between eight and twelve centimeters. Larger planters are recommended for plants such as pumpkins or wild tomatoes that can grow to a considerable size within a short period of time.

Insert seedlings

Make sure that the main root sits vertically in the planting hole and does not bend upwards. If so, shorten the long roots to about two centimeters. Otherwise the plant suffers from growth disturbances, which affects the later harvest yield.

Put the young plants a little deeper into the soil. In the case of peppers and tomatoes, this measure is deliberately carried out so that the stem develops additional roots directly above the root neck. Push the hole closed and carefully press the plant into place. Subsequent watering with a flower sprayer sludge open spaces in the substrate.