Most annuals prefer warm soils and stable temperatures to grow well. When you are ready to plant, lift plants from the cell packs or pots. The best way to do this is to either gently squeeze or push up the bottom of the container if pliable, or turn it upside down, tap it lightly, and the plant will fall into your hand. If the roots are extremely compacted, it is a good idea to loosen the roots slightly by either breaking the soil ball apart slightly or cutting the sides of the root ball with a knife. This loosening helps to encourage better rooting in the garden bed.
Some growers like to offer plants in flats without individual cells.
In this case, separate the plants gently by hand or use a knife to cut the plants apart. When transplanting plants grown in individual peat pots, remove the part of the pot above the soil surface. If left on, it can act as a wick and dry out the roots around the interior of the peat pot. The bottom of peat pots should also be removed to allow for better rooting and drainage. Also, be sure that peat pots are moist before planting.