Modules

[Martin]

I've seeen lots of mention of using modules to raise plants on this forum so I've tried the plastic ones this year.

However, when I try extracting the seedlings to plant them out, I have great difficulty in getting them out of the module. I usually have to cut them and in the process the seedling is disturbed quite a bit which I'm guessing is what using modules is supposed to stop.

What am I doing wrong? Is there a knack to getting out the plants without disturbing them too much?

Martin.

[Angi]

Make sure your plants are well watered before attempting to remove them, then just squish the bottom of the module upwards as if you were trying to turn it inside out.

[John]

Hello Martin
Difficult to say without seeing what you've got.
However:
When you start (ie sowing stage) make sure that the compost is firmed into the module.
Use the smallest size module you can get away with.
You need to let the young plant grow on sufficiently so that the each module is well filled with roots then gently pinch the base while holding the tray upright and it should ease out.
With smaller modules like plug trays try pushing a pencil in from below.
I find the peat-based composts work best - root ball less likely to collapse.
Never try to pull the plant out - that'll be the kiss of death for it!!!
Hope this helps - doubtless others will have some ideas.

John

[Compo]

The other options is peat pots or modules which you can keep in a plastic seed tray, transferring straight into the ground when ready with no root disturbance, not really cheaper or reusable though, I would like to try and get some in bulk....any ideas anyone. I concur with John's comments about plastic modules, brassicas in particular take ages to get a strong root system going, so the plant can be 3-4 inches high before the modules are Luam putting out some late broad beans and peas tomorrow sewn in peat pots and they go better if you remove the bottom of the pot and really wet before planting

Good Luck

Comps

[Geoff]

I agree with the idea that modules work best slightly on the firm side. However, I reckon you can prick out almost anything without it knowing it has been disturbed if you are careful. I swear by a little spatula I nicked from a lab once. I've never seen them on sale but I guess they are in lab equipment catalogues. Here is a picture of it alongside the type you see in garden centres, the little bend at the end is the key to either getting a plug out of a module or moving an individual seedling. The other end is great for dispatching the slugs that lodge between the cells of modules.

[Jenny Green]

I use a chopstick.
Sorry, no photo.