Rootrainers won't fit in holder

[westwiltspatio]

Is it just me? I got some of B&Q's discounted Rapid Rootrainers, and put them together today and have one book left over as there isn't room for it in the holder (there's about half a space left). Can't see any way of getting the 8th book in there without breaking the others by squashing them up too much.

The previous ones I bought (the deeper ones for beans) only had 7 books instead of 8 (pack said 8, think I was shortchanged!) so were a bit loose in the holder. I seem fated to only get 28 cells to plant in.

[womble]

They are very tight the first time you put them in, I struggled with mine the first time I used them (only used them once ), they do go in, just persevere.

[poly]

I know the feeling, they are not the easy to squeeze in. Don't know if this may help or hinder but, I slot in the first 7 and then wedge the 8th in the remaining gap as far as it will go without forcing. I then turn the holder vertically and from the inside of the 7th I press down, which usually makes enough space to slide the last one in. Hope this makes sense. Works for me!

[SarzWix]

Yes they are very tight, but it will slide in, eventually

[bazzaboy]

8 is right WWP, jam them in, they won't break but be held tightly together which is what's needed (you don't want roots finding their way through the sides, they're tight for a reason). A great invention - and don't forget once roots show through the bottom to raise them up to reap maximum root development. b.

[westwiltspatio]

Thanks all, had another go after reading replies, and poly's hint worked a treat (thanks poly!). Rootrainers now all snug in their holder. Now just need to fill them with seeds!

[womble]

A great invention - and don't forget once roots show through the bottom to raise them up to reap maximum root development. b.

I'm trying to understand this, you raise up what?

[bazzaboy]

I'm trying to understand this, you raise up what?

Once the first roots show through the bottom of the root-trainer raise it off the bench/gravel tray (between two house bricks is easiest so it's suspended in the air, the plastic holder has a flange so this is easily accomplished). The root that is coming through the bottom will then be in the light and will stop growing, the plant will start another root. The inside edges of the root-trainer are furrowed so the roots follow them. In quick time a very strong multiple root system is built up. Ace device!

Does that make sense, Womble? b.

[womble]

That makes perfect sense, thankyou.

I do love learning new things.