Welcome to the latest Sharpham gardening news with our Head Gardener Bryony Middleton

Here, she shares her tips for pricking out lettuce seedlings to ensure that they grow into strong plants ready for planting out.

She's also got a tip for remedying those leggy, windowsill seedlings! Watch the video below, or scroll down for a step-by-step guide. 

Find out more about Sharpham's gardens here

How to Prick Out Lettuce Seedlings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing your own lettuce is a rewarding experience, and one key step to ensure strong, healthy plants is learning how to properly prick out seedlings. If you’ve just sown your lettuce seeds and they’re starting to sprout, here’s a quick guide to help you through the next stage of their growth.

Why Prick Out Lettuce Seedlings?

After a couple of weeks, your lettuce seedlings will start to grow, and you’ll notice that they’re getting a bit crowded in their initial tray. If left as they are, they can become leggy—stretching out for light, nutrients, and water. This can weaken the plants and reduce their chances of thriving once planted outside. Pricking out the seedlings gives them more space to grow and develop stronger roots, ensuring that you end up with robust, healthy lettuce plants.

What You’ll Need:

• A tray of lettuce seedlings sown a few weeks ago
• A module tray filled with compost
• A small tool for teasing apart seedlings (e.g., a pencil or a small fork)
• Patience and a gentle touch

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Module Tray

Fill your module tray with compost. This will be the new home for your lettuce seedlings as they continue to grow.

2. Gently Tease Apart the Seedlings

Carefully separate the seedlings from each other. It’s important to handle them gently to avoid damaging the roots. If you accidentally break a leaf, don’t worry—what really matters is protecting the roots.

3. Plant the Seedlings

Create a small hole in the compost of your module tray. Take one seedling and plant it up to the first leaf. This technique helps in developing a strong plant, especially if the seedling is a bit leggy. Planting up to the first leaf shortens the distance between the roots and the leaves, resulting in a sturdier plant.

4. Firm the Soil

After placing the seedling in the hole, gently firm the compost around it to hold the seedling in place.

5. Repeat

Continue the process with the rest of your seedlings. Take your time to ensure each one is properly planted.

Aftercare

Once all your seedlings are pricked out and planted in the module tray, place the tray back in a warm, sheltered spot, like a greenhouse. Allow them to grow there for another two weeks before transferring them to your garden.

This method of pricking out and transplanting helps your lettuce seedlings become strong and healthy, giving them the best chance to thrive once they’re out in the garden. By taking this extra step, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful lettuce harvest.

Feel free to give it a try at home, and watch your lettuce flourish!