Handmade stainless steel Seedling pricker: The Secret Weapon for the Complete Gardener

In the world of growers, gardeners and horticulturists, raising plants from seed to maturity is an art in itself. An essential tool that should not be missing in this process is the handmade stainless steel (RVS) transplanting spoon by Sneeboer. This small but powerful instrument allows you to safely and efficiently transplant young seedlings, without root damage and with maximum control. In this comprehensive blog article, you will discover everything about the history, craftsmanship and practical application of the transplanting spoon. Learn why this tool is the must-have for every passionate garden enthusiast, from hobby gardener to professional grower.

History and origin of the transplanting spoon

The origin of the Sneeboer transplanting spoon goes back to the private workshop of Mr Waasdorp, a lawyer with a great passion for gardening. Frustrated by the limited precision of standard garden tools, he forged his first prototype from reinforcing steel in his spare time. After test series with red copper and brass, he perfected his design in high-quality steel. This authentic model ended up in the Sneeboer collection, after which the experts in the forge refined the design into the handy stainless-steel version we know today.

In March 2025, the official introduction took place during the Spring Market at the Botanical Gardens in Utrecht. There, Mr Waasdorp and his wife shared anecdotes about the evolution of the design: from rough reinforcing steel to the elegant, durable stainless-steel transplanting spoon. Since then, this tool has become a favourite among professional growers and enthusiastic hobby gardeners both at home and abroad.

Traditional stainless-steel craftsmanship

Each Sneeboer stainless-steel transplanting spoon is hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel. The production process is as follows:

• An 8 mm round stainless-steel rod is heated in the forge to optimal workability.
• With the hammer, the smith forms the spoon section and creates a sharp, pointed tip for pricking and loosening.
• The handle is smoothed and polished, without welds or seams, which prevents weak points.
• After cooling, the surface is finished with fine steel wool for a smooth, hygienic finish.

This traditional method guarantees the strength and durability of the tool. In addition, the single-piece design prevents rust formation at weld seams and ensures a long lifespan, even under intensive professional use.

Why a transplanting spoon is indispensable

A transplanting spoon offers several indispensable advantages when transplanting seedlings:

• Precision: The spoon-shaped end carefully loosens the soil around the roots without damaging the plant.
• Minimising stress: The sharp tip quickly makes a planting hole, keeping young roots intact and reducing transplant shock.
• Ergonomic design: The slim, curved handle prevents fatigue during long periods of work.
• Durability: Stainless steel resists corrosion from moisture, potting soil and organic fertilisers.

Step-by-step: How to use the transplanting spoon

Follow these steps for the best results:

• Preparation: Ensure lightly moist compost in new pots or seed trays.
• Loosening: Insert the spoon diagonally under the seedling, just outside the main root, and lever out the soil ball.
• Pricking: Use the tip to make a planting hole at the correct depth (equal to the germination depth).
• Transplanting: Place the soil ball in the hole and gently press the soil around it.
• Watering: Water immediately with a gentle dose and place in the shade or cool greenhouse.

Maintenance of your transplanting spoon

Maintaining your transplanting spoon is essential for a long lifespan:

• Clean after each use with lukewarm water and a soft brush.
• Dry the spoon and store it in a dry place in your shed or rack.
• Polish if necessary with fine steel wool to remove rust and dirt residues.
• Periodically check for rough edges and remove them for a smooth surface.

Tips from our experts

Our garden experts are happy to share extra tips for a successful transplanting session:

• Timing: Transplant in the early morning or late afternoon at temperatures between 15–18 °C.
• Humidity: Keep air humidity around 60–70% to prevent root dehydration.
• Fertiliser: When repotting, add a light dose of organic feed for immediate root stimulation.
• Planning: Spread your transplanting work over several days to avoid fatigue.