definetly let it pop on its own ive "helped" some by uncover them same as you described i couldnt wait for it when i already saw green and roots!! only time neccasarry i would think is last ditch effort if other seeds pop out on own and that one still wont but i am no weed magician like some of these super botanist stoners!! trial and error is it. if u searxh web long enough you can find a weed sight to contradict research from another!!!! start small so mistakes are cheap one to 3 times in and u ready to step it up