How to Thin Out Seedlings
Know when the seedlings are ready to be thinned out., Prepare the soil., Separate the seedlings., Select the strongest looking seedlings with the biggest root system., Replant., Label., Water., Leave to grow., Finished.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Know when the seedlings are ready to be thinned out.
Seedlings need to be thinned out when their leaves begin to touch their neighbor.
As a general rule, this is when they have sprouted their second set of leaves.
This is called the true leaf stage, with the first set being the seed leaves.
If they are left too long in an overcrowded tray, the top growth of each seedling will become lank and weak. -
Step 2: Prepare the soil.
Sieve the soil onto a flat surface to break up any lumps.
Fill the tray or pots with soil, using your hands to work it into the individual cells.
Tap the tray to work the soil into the corners. , Insert the dibber into the soil at the edge of the seedling tray.
Lever it back to loosen the soil under the seedlings and gently tease them out.
Carefully separate the seedlings by holding them by the leaves.
Avoid handling by the stem or the roots as they are both easily damaged. , Discard the more spindly looking ones with the smaller root systems as they are less likely to survive. , With the dibber, create a large hole deep and wide enough to hold the root system.
Lower a seedling in and firm the soil around it. , Use an indelible pen to put the plant variety on one side, and the date on the other.
Place this at the edge of the tray. , Turn the rose on the watering can upwards, this prevents disruption to the soil's surface.
Water heavily. , Different seeds require different growing conditions.
Check the seed packet.
If your seedlings will eventually be planted outside, place them in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, or outside in an area that is protected from direct sunlight and heavy winds.
This will gently acclimatize the seedlings to outside conditions.
When they have sprouted 3 or 4 pairs of leaves, they are ready to be replanted into display containers or transplanted into the ground. , -
Step 3: Separate the seedlings.
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Step 4: Select the strongest looking seedlings with the biggest root system.
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Step 5: Replant.
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Step 6: Label.
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Step 7: Water.
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Step 8: Leave to grow.
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Step 9: Finished.
Detailed Guide
Seedlings need to be thinned out when their leaves begin to touch their neighbor.
As a general rule, this is when they have sprouted their second set of leaves.
This is called the true leaf stage, with the first set being the seed leaves.
If they are left too long in an overcrowded tray, the top growth of each seedling will become lank and weak.
Sieve the soil onto a flat surface to break up any lumps.
Fill the tray or pots with soil, using your hands to work it into the individual cells.
Tap the tray to work the soil into the corners. , Insert the dibber into the soil at the edge of the seedling tray.
Lever it back to loosen the soil under the seedlings and gently tease them out.
Carefully separate the seedlings by holding them by the leaves.
Avoid handling by the stem or the roots as they are both easily damaged. , Discard the more spindly looking ones with the smaller root systems as they are less likely to survive. , With the dibber, create a large hole deep and wide enough to hold the root system.
Lower a seedling in and firm the soil around it. , Use an indelible pen to put the plant variety on one side, and the date on the other.
Place this at the edge of the tray. , Turn the rose on the watering can upwards, this prevents disruption to the soil's surface.
Water heavily. , Different seeds require different growing conditions.
Check the seed packet.
If your seedlings will eventually be planted outside, place them in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, or outside in an area that is protected from direct sunlight and heavy winds.
This will gently acclimatize the seedlings to outside conditions.
When they have sprouted 3 or 4 pairs of leaves, they are ready to be replanted into display containers or transplanted into the ground. ,
About the Author
Zachary Perez
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow organization tutorials.
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