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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Digitalis on May 30, 2009, 15:38:26

Title: How do you get crowded plants out of pots?
Post by: Digitalis on May 30, 2009, 15:38:26
I have sown various bean seeds at home. But these are obviously going to take a little time to grow.

So, I have bought some 'ready grown' beans from B&Q and a garden centre. I have bought the same varities that I have sown.

The ones that I have bought are ready to be planted out on my plot, but they seem a little crowded in the pots that they are in. Some are literally 2cms from each other. These were the best ones available in the shop.

How can I get them out successfully without damaging the roots? Should I just get the whole root ball out onto newspaper and try to separate them as best I can?

Thanks.
Title: Re: How do you get crowded plants out of pots?
Post by: sarah on May 30, 2009, 15:59:09
yes thats what i would do.  you will probably find with bean seedlings that if you carefully remove the pot and lay the plants on the floor you can seperate them quite easily. a little root damage wont hurt.  :)
Title: Re: How do you get crowded plants out of pots?
Post by: Digeroo on May 30, 2009, 16:19:15
Take your time.  Gently tease them apart.  Better if they are wet. 
Title: Re: How do you get crowded plants out of pots?
Post by: Eristic on May 30, 2009, 22:40:11
First give them a good soaking for a couple of hours.

Now there are two approaches for separating them.

1. Tease them apart as gently as possible.
2. Slice the soil/roots with a knife.

The choice is yours.
Title: Re: How do you get crowded plants out of pots?
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on May 30, 2009, 23:37:40
I plant the potful of compost with 3-4 beans in it. I wouldn't do it with runners, but it works with most. Six pots got to a wigwam.