How to Get New Seedlings Out of Burpee Plastic Tray: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting your garden from seedlings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to grow plants. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, Burpee plastic trays are a popular choice for starting seeds due to their durability and efficiency. However, once your seedlings are ready to be transplanted, getting them out of these trays without damaging the roots is key to ensuring healthy growth. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get new seedlings out of a Burpee plastic tray properly, so you can transplant them into your garden with ease.

Why Choose Burpee Plastic Trays for Seed Starting?

Before diving into the process of removing seedlings, let’s first understand why Burpee plastic trays are so popular for seed starting. These trays offer several advantages:

Durability: Burpee trays are made from strong, flexible plastic that can withstand multiple seasons of use.

Effective drainage: The trays come with built-in drainage holes, ensuring that your seedlings won’t drown from overwatering.

Versatility: They come in various sizes to accommodate different types of seeds, and their shallow design ensures that roots have space to develop without being too deep.

Now that we know why Burpee trays are great, let's walk through the best practices to get your new seedlings out safely.

Steps to Remove Seedlings from a Burpee Plastic Tray

1. Water Your Seedlings Before Transplanting

The first step in removing seedlings from a Burpee plastic tray is to ensure they are well-watered. Dry soil can cause the roots to cling to the sides of the tray, making it harder to remove the seedlings without damaging them. Water the seedlings thoroughly and wait for about 15-30 minutes before attempting to remove them. This will soften the soil and make it easier to separate the roots from the tray.

2. Turn the Tray Upside Down

Once the soil is moist, gently hold the tray by the edges and flip it upside down over a clean surface, like a table or a gardening mat. Be careful not to drop the tray, as sudden movements could damage your seedlings. The idea here is to allow gravity to help loosen the seedlings from their cells.

3. Tap the Tray to Loosen the Seedlings

While holding the tray upside down, lightly tap the bottom or sides of the tray. This will help to dislodge the seedlings from their cells. You may need to give it a few taps to loosen the seedlings enough for them to fall out. If you’re growing a variety of plants, do this slowly to avoid damaging fragile seedlings.

4. Gently Pull Out the Seedlings by the Leaves (Not the Stem)

If the seedlings don’t come out on their own after tapping, gently pull them out by holding the leaves, not the stems. The leaves are more resilient, and pulling on the stem could cause the seedling to break. Use your fingers to gently separate the seedlings from the tray, being careful not to pull too hard. If the seedlings are stubborn, you can use a small tool like a plastic fork to help ease them out.

5. Inspect the Roots

Once the seedlings are out of the tray, carefully inspect the roots. The roots should be white and healthy. If you notice any damaged or overly tangled roots, you can trim them with a clean pair of scissors. If you see that the roots have become root-bound (coiled tightly), gently tease them apart with your fingers. This helps the roots to spread out when transplanted into the garden or larger containers.

6. Transplant the Seedlings into Their New Homes

After successfully removing the seedlings, it’s time to transplant them into your garden or larger pots. Prepare your new planting containers with fresh soil and make a small hole in the center to place the seedling. Gently place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and promote better growth.

Tips for Avoiding Damage When Removing Seedlings

Handle with Care: Always handle seedlings gently. Seedlings are delicate and can be damaged easily if pulled too hard or roughly handled.

Use a Small Tool: For tricky seedlings, use a small tool like a plastic knife or gardening fork to loosen the soil around the seedling.

Choose the Right Time: It’s best to remove seedlings in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and they are less likely to wilt.

Don’t Rush: Take your time. Rushing the process can cause stress to your seedlings and could potentially damage them.

Conclusion

Removing seedlings from a Burpee plastic tray is a straightforward process, but it requires care and patience. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely and effectively get your new seedlings out of the tray without causing damage. Watering them before removal, tapping the tray gently, and handling the seedlings by the leaves will ensure that they are transplanted with minimal stress, giving them the best chance to thrive in their new environment. Remember, taking the time to treat your seedlings gently at this stage will pay off with healthy, robust plants that will flourish in your garden. Happy gardening!