How to thin seedlings
Seeds are sown thickly because not all of them come up. Thinning removes the extras so the rest have room — crowded carrots and beets never fill out.
Words to know
- True leaves:
- The leaves that look like the grown plant's. The very first pair to appear (the seed leaves) look different.
How to do it
- Wait until the seedlings have their first true leaves.
- Water first so the soil is soft.
- At each spot, choose the strongest seedling to keep.
- Snip the others off at soil level with scissors. Pulling them can tear up the roots of the one you keep.
- Leave the spacing the job shows, like 3 inches between carrots.
Good to know
- Thinned lettuce, beet and radish seedlings are good to eat.
Based on standard guidance from U.S. university extension services, including Cornell, the University of Minnesota and Oregon State.