What Is a Widger? A Small Tool for Lifting Seedlings
A widger is a small, narrow hand tool with a curved blade used to lift seedlings out of trays. Nebraska Extension describes the widger as a tool used to delicately separate plus transplant seedlings.
The short answer
A widger slides under a seedling so you lift it by the rootball. UMN Extension advises lifting seedlings by the rootball with a spoon or plant tag for support. Never hold a seedling by its stem. NC State notes the ideal time to transplant is when the first true leaves appear.
How does a widger compare with other small tools?
| Tool | Use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Widger | Lift seedlings plus loosen mix | Nebraska Extension |
| Dibble | Make holes for seeds or young plants | Iowa State glossary |
| Trowel | Transplant vegetable plants | NC State |
Source: UMN, NC State, Iowa State plus Nebraska Extension.
Why lift seedlings by the rootball?
UMN notes holding a seedling by its stem may crush it or harm the growing tip. To steady the plant, hold it lightly by a leaf.
How to: step by step
- Water the tray so the mix clings together.
- Slide the widger down beside the seedling.
- Gently lever up the rootball.
- Grip the plant by a leaf if needed.
- Place it in a dibbled hole in fresh mix.
- Firm the mix plus water it in.
Troubleshooting
Tangled roots: seeds sown too close. UMN advises one seedling per cell.
Crushed stem: lifted by the stem. Lift by the rootball instead.
Seedlings tall plus thin: low light. UMN advises lights 2 to 4 inches above the tops.
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Sources
- Starting seeds indoors, University of Minnesota Extension
- Extension Gardener Handbook, appendix D: garden tools, NC State Extension
- Types of weeding tools, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Glossary of garden terms, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Gift tools for gardeners, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
FAQ
Can I use a spoon instead of a widger?
Yes. UMN advises lifting seedlings by the rootball with a spoon or plant tag for support.
When should seedlings be moved?
NC State notes the ideal time to transplant young seedlings is when the first true leaves appear.
What is a dibble?
The Iowa State glossary defines a dibble as a small pointed tool used to make holes for seeds, bulbs or young plants.
How do I thin extra seedlings?
UMN advises cutting all but one seedling at soil level with scissors once true leaves form, rather than pulling them.
Why are my seedlings leggy?
UMN notes lack of light is the major cause of skinny stems. Plants need 12 to 16 hours of light daily.
