Pricking Off
or PRICKING OUT. A term in constant use, which is applied to the removal of small seedling plants from the position in which they have been reared, and their insertion in single pots, or at a wider distance apart in pots, pans, or beds, where there is more space in which they may grow. The object is that of encouraging growth, and getting plants sufficiently strong to be placed in their permanent quarters without fear of injury. Pricking Out is generally best practised so soon as the first leaves appear after those which the seed produces from its interior. The necessity for this work may be much lessened by thin sowing; but still there are numerous instances in which it is unavoidable. Small plants, when Pricked Out, must receive every attention until they become so far established as, to a certain extent, to take care of themselves, and get large enough for transplanting or potting permanently.