For propagation, it is easier to grow tomato seeds in a propagator. After a short time, the young plants will feel too tight, so they need a new planter. Pricking out prevents competition for light, water and nutrients.
Tomatoes are pricked out as soon as the first "real" leaves have formed
Prepare vessels
Use a four-inch plastic pot for each seedling, or place the tomatoes in separate sections. It is important that irrigation water can drain optimally through drainage holes in the ground. If you use pricking vessels several times, clean them before using them again. As a result, there is no risk of the individual tomato plants being affected by pathogens.
Fill with substrate
Tomatoes need loose soil that allows air to reach the roots. The cultivation substrate should be constantly moist but not too wet. It is important in this phase to have a low concentration of nutrients so that the fine roots are not deprived of too much moisture. Fill the container about half full with soil.
Separate young plants
Moisten the substrate with a flower sprayer so that the plants release better. Loosen the soil around the tomato seedlings and have a pricking stick ready. A clean kitchen knife, pen or spoon are alternatives that are available in every household. Work your way through the seed tray and place the lifted plant directly into the prepared pot to minimize stress on the culture.
How to separate correctly:
- Stick tools on the stem into the substrate
- Carefully lever out the root ball along with the clods of earth
- Check the health of the seedling
- Discard specimens with brown and thin roots
- Shorten overly long main roots to two centimeters
The young plants may be lower in the new planter than in the previous substrate. This encourages root formation on the stem, which increases stability and improves water absorption. After planting, fill the pots with potting soil.
Subsequent care
Water the freshly potted plants deeply so that the roots have contact with the soil and the seedling does not dry out. Use a spray bottle to avoid washing away the tender plants. In the next three days, the culture must not get any direct sunlight, as the plants cannot compensate for the loss of liquid.