Why and when should I thin my Seedlings?

Thinning seedlings is important to grow strong, healthy plants.

I know, I know....it feels impossible to sacrifice your plant babies but it is necessary. Trust me: you can do this! Just close your eyes and go for it (just kidding...keep your eyes open!)

Thinning seedlings simply means removing some of the seedlings that have germinated but are too close together for all to survive. It is about culling the herd so that only the strong survive.

If plants are too close together, they will compete for space, nutrients and sunlight. As a result, either none will survive or, those that do, will not grow up to be healthy adult plants. Overcrowded plants may also not have enough air circulation around them and this can cause mold and other fungal diseases.

You can try to pull apart your seedlings and then replant them but, if you are like me, you may have too many seedlings and are at a loss as to what to do with all of them. My preferred method is to use clean disinfected scissors and snip out the stunted, or less healthy ones. I use thin gardening sheers. The roots will die after you cut the head off the plant.

I like to wait until my seedlings have at least 2 to 4 leaves. They should also be approximately 3 to 4 inches high. That way I can see which seedling is the strongest. It is best to thin your seedlings until only one remains. If all of your seedlings seem equally healthy, then just randomly pick the winning survivor.

It is important to snip at the base of the seedling so that you do not disturb the baby roots. This is another reason that I prefer to snip rather than tease apart my seedlings to repot them.

Once you have snipped the weak seedlings, you can fertilize your remaining plants. Then, when it is time, repot your plants and away you go! Happy gardening!