Question
hi Tom;
please give me some expert advice.  My first seedlings of coleus,
I waited until there were 4 real leaves before transplanting.  I
then planted some more seeds - coleus - and the seed packet
said to transplant 15 days after germination.  I waited for 25
days, then transplanted.  The seedlings are much smaller than
the first batch.  When I transplanted them, i simply spooned out
3-5 of them, with some soil, and put them on top of soil in a
pot.  They promptly all fell over.  That was 2 days ago - some of
them are already popping back up again.  Help, please advise
how to transplant.  I don't want to become a mass murderer.  
Having fun, though.  Just seeded 3 types of sunflowers.  I know
it's early for zone 5b, but what the heck, grow them indoors and
have indoor sunflowers.
Thanx again for your input.
Peter

Answer
Hi Peter,
Thanx for your question.  You can prick the seedlings out as soon as they have two or four true leaves.  Use a pencil or a stick to nudge each seedling out of the potting soil and then plant in separate cells or pots.  Make a hole in the soil and gently place the seedling in and brush soil over the soil and water but don't make it soggy.  Make sure it gets plenty of light about 10 hours a day with a 40-watt flourescent about 8 inches above the seedlings or a growlight.  It is a bit early to start sunflowers and they will probably be very leggy because they need lots of light but I have started them indoors before.  I hope this helps.
Tom