The Genius Garden Fork Hack You'll Want When Working With Seedlings

There are a few common mistakes you want to avoid when starting seeds that will eventually end up in bigger pots or in your garden. That includes handling them carefully when it's time to transplant them. That's why you may want to use a fork when working with seedlings. Although that may sound a little strange, it happens to be a genius hack from TikTok user @meggrowsplants that gardeners will surely want to give a try.

The first thing you should know is that you should never attempt to pick up a small plant with your fingers alone. By pinching it and pulling on it, you risk damaging the delicate plant and possibly even breaking it off which would be incredibly disappointing. Instead, grab a fork and gently guide it into the dirt on the side of the tray pocket or small pot. Sink the utensil into the soil and then gently lift it. The entire packet of soil and the little plant should come up in one piece. This will help you completely avoid touching the plant and prevent you from accidentally damaging it while still giving you an easy way to move it along with the soil that it's been growing in. Of course, if you don't have a fork set aside to use in your garden, then there are a few other things that you might want to use in the same way.

You don't have to sacrifice a fork from your kitchen in order to tackle this hack. In fact, there are plenty of other options that you can put to good use. For instance, one commenter on @meggrowsplants's video left a suggestion that comes from their own experience, writing, "A palette knife works really well too."

A few other social media users offered comments saying that they use various kinds of spoons. Besides that, you could also use a thin trowel. The Anvil Carbon Steel Hand Transplanter can be found at Home Depot for $4.98. With a sturdy carbon steel blade that has a pointed tip, it's ideal for both moving and re-planting small seedlings. That's not to mention the Husky 6-1/5 in. Injection Handle Soil Scoop which costs $12.98 and also has a stainless-steel head but features a rounded tip which will keep small plants safe. Finally, the Bully Tools 3.5 in. Poly Hand Scoop which sells for $9.23 would allow gardeners the chance to pick up the entire pocket of soil while transplanting their seedlings. Granted, when it comes to why @meggrowsplants prefers a fork, she left a comment explaining, "I think the shape of a fork is just perfect!"