How to Remove Plants From Nursery Pots

These methods for removing a plant from a container purchased at a nursery will help protect the root system and ensure a smooth transition for the plant. 

This process applies to young plants growing in:

1. Single flexible or rigid plastic pots
2. Multiple cell or plug plastic trays (flats)  

The plants should be watered the evening before removing them from containers. Pre-watering helps to keep the soil adhering near the roots when removed from the container and benefits the plant throughout the transplanting process.

There are various techniques for removing plants from their containers, but it must always be done carefully to avoid root disturbances as much as possible.

How To Remove Plants From a Single Plastic Pot

Plants can be removed from pots by placing one hand over the soil surface with the stem of the plant between two fingers.  Invert the pot and tap the rim on a hard surface such as the edge of a bench.   The root ball should slide out into your hand. 

If the plant does not easily slide out, gently squeezing the container can help release the soil from adhering to the sides and create air space for release.   Use a tool to gently scoop the plant out or try inverting the pot again.  

If the plant is still won’t slide out, inspect the base of the container for roots that have grown out through the bottom drainage holes.  These roots will often hold the plant in the container.  For this situation, I will use garden scissors to cut the sides of the container down to the holes where the roots are exposed and carefully peel the container from around the roots to avoid damaging them.  If the root growth is substantial, it may not be possible to avoid damaging all of them, but do your best to protect the roots closest to the base of the plant.

Carefully tease the outer roots before planting to help them establish quickly in the new soil.  Teasing is gently pulling out the roots with your fingers to help them release from the constricted shape of the container they were just in.  

How To Remove Plants From Multiple Cell Containers

The cell or plug containers are typically used when growing seedlings in flats.   Sometimes they are scored or perforated to allow separation into sections of cells.

An easy way to remove the plants is to press against the bottom of the cell and push the plant upwards.  Push the plant high enough so you can grasp the root ball to remove.  Do not pull the plant out by the stem.   

You may also choose to remove plants from cells by pushing a pencil through the drainage hole in the base.  This loosens the plant, which can then be slid out of the container.

Some cell containers are very thin and can easily be torn from the top edge down the side of the container.  This is a quick easy way to open the cell, tip the plants and let them slide  out. 

It doesn’t take long for a seedling to fill a small cell container with roots.  Quite often when purchasing plants at the nursery, you will find the roots have grown out of the bottom drainage holes.  Trying to push the plant out will cause damage to the roots and potentially the plant.  For this situation,  I will use garden scissors to cut the sides of the container down to the holes where the roots are exposed, and carefully peel the container from around the roots to avoid damaging them.  If the root growth is substantial, it may not be possible to avoid damaging all of them, but do your best. 

Understanding methods of removing plants from containers helps to maintain healthy root systems and supports healthy plant growth after transplanting.