Disturb roots or not?

[Tracey]

Well, I am happy to report that the heirloom Lakota tomatoes I started from seed back on April 2nd are three inches tall and ready for transplant.

6/9 germinated.

I have read to plant them up to the first set of true leaves and will do this for sure.

I have an old wise Italian neighbour, master gardener from the old country, he tells me when I transplant into bigger pots, to shake off old soil from roots as this will cause the roots to grow stronger in the new pot. He does this transplant to bigger and then bigger pots about 3 or 4 times before planting in his green house. His tomatoes are spectacular.

I am more inclined to leave the roots alone, pop seedlings of their small cells so gently so as to not disturb the roots.

So which is it folks? What do you recommend.

Great forum btw, I have been reading and gathering so much info, I hope I am not double posting with my inquiry today.

Thanks! ~Trace