[sion01]

I normally prick out my seedlings into three inch pots but when I saw those flimsy green square trays at wilko's I though they'd be really handy and I could get more plants into less space.Every thing was fine until I tried to get the blasted plants out of them to plant outside.I've tried to poke the blunt end of a nail through one of the holes but as there are two holes at each corner it just seems im just pushing the rootball to one side and not out of the pot.I've had to resort to brakeing the tray as gently as I can but I feel im really disturbing the roots.
is there a trick for getting them out without so much disturbance,I tried them about ten years ago and I now remember why I vowed never to use them again and to stick to three inch pots.The life of 40 cosmo,20 oregano,20 foxglove and 25 echinacea'paradoxa' plants depend on you'r answers so no pressure.

[SnooziSuzi]

I know what you mean about those trays; they seem like a good idea at the time but when it comes to getting them out....!

Have you tried using a fork?  by lifting the whole rootball with a plastic or old fork it could save the tray and would help to lift more of the rootball out with the compost

[sion01]

I'll sneak a fork out now while missus is in the bath.I'll let you know how I get on

[sclarke624]

I give them a bit of a squeeze all round and use a teaspoon to get in the section and scoop out.

[GrannieAnnie]

and make sure you water them first to soften up the compost. 

[sion01]

i have tried with the fork but as I'd watered them first it was all a bit frantic with compost everywhere.i think the best plan is to let them get a bit potbound and try with the fork when the compost is quite dry then I think the fork will save the day(hopefully) and never buy the blasted things again.

[TerryB]

Water the tray then squeeze both sides of root ball.
Place figures over the plant, tip tray on its side then push the bottom of the root ball untill the plant pops out.
Some times other plants drop out but if this is done over a work top they are usually OK.
A bit more trouble than individual pots but it means you can get a lot more plants into the same area when sowing seeds.

[dexyblue]

I used a fork on mine

[Flatcat]

A miniture spade works for me, but they are a right pain, and I usually end up splitting the sides or piercing the bottom

Damon

[sion01]

I bought a tray of leek plants at a farmers market this afternoon and they were the sort of tray with smooth sides and the whole rootball came out no problem

[LivvyW]

Those cheap green plastic modules are lethal. Once you get your plants out just throw the things out!!! They are a nightmare.

I purchased last year really good quality module trays. Rock solid plastic, with one biggish hole that you can just push the plug out with a finger. So worth the six euros. about 100 modules in the tray.

They are a joy to use. I bought three more this year. They'll last a decade i reckon.

[sclarke624]

You can pick up similar for free in garden centres if they have a place they keep them for you to take.  My nearest Haskins does, inside near the tills.  Some may be a bit large for your needs as some hold small pots normally, they have drainage holes.

I don't have too many probs with the cheap green trays or the wilko ones, some split but I still use them.  I have some that are four years old. I must be the exception to the rule, or remarkably patient .  I just squeeze and use a teaspoon. Haven't killed any seedlings yet. LOL

[brown thumb]

if their the seed trays and  not  the     modules i always put a strip of strong plastic 2" wide strips of old compost bags across length and width ways and give them a tug i find it losens the root ball/compost}{ i should have said before putting in the compost and seeding]