Basil Sprout Not Getting Light

[Oscar]

I'm fairly new to the AG and planted heirloom basil in a Grow Anything pod. The first leaves grew pretty large underneath the sticker and as it has started coming up it's now not able to get any light. Should I just go ahead and pull the leaves through manually, or leave it be since it should manage to grow through anyway? I wasn't able to find any good answer online. 

It's maybe a little hard to tell via the photo, but the leaves are pressed right up to the paper:

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I appreciate any insight anyone might have!

[slw]

Hi Oscar and welcome.   That's some fine looking basil you have there!   As far as the label, I often have that happen.  Usually I just leave it and it will push it's way through as it grows.  Other times I can't stand it and I  take a toothpick or something and VERY CAREFULLY and gently work a leaf or two out.   I'm sure that messing with the pod is not the best thing to do but I'm weak!! 

I will admit that I have pulled the entire little seedling out of the sponge on occasion while trying to "help" it.  The seedlings are very fragile and they are extremely easy to inadvertently pull out of the sponge.  

[lynnee]

Hi Oscar! Usually I do what slw does. I get a tool and press the pod cover flaps down until they are underneath the impacted leaves. The seedlings are usually fine afterwards. Plants have a strong desire to live!

[Oscar]

Thanks so much! I suppose I'll try to exercise restraint and leave it alone, or if it does bother me I'll try to be super careful when I help it out. Excited to see how it turns out!

[scarfguy]

I've also done what slw and lynnee described.  Lately, I've also simply carefully removed the label.

I was afraid to do that at first cause I thought it would induce algae or mold formation but it didn't.