Teasing or tickling the roots of a plant refers to loosening pot bound roots. If you place the plant into the ground or into another pot without first loosening the balled up roots, they will continue to grow in a circle, rather than reaching out into the soil, developing and anchoring the plant. It may seem like a harsh thing to do as you are plantin, but as explained here, teasing the roots is just tough love.
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[Source: About.com Gardening: Most Popular Articles]
