Thinning seedlings is easier than you might think! Now that you have successfully sown seeds (here’s a post for starting seeds) and watched seedlings develop over the last few weeks, it is time to begin thinning your now crowded seedlings. In this post you will learn how to properly thin your seedlings without harming them!
Here’s How To Thin Seedlings-Without Killing Them!
Thinning seedlings is actually quiet simple, quick and easy to do. It’s important to thin out your seedlings for the health of each plant.
Without thinning seedlings, they can become overcrowded and compete for nutrients and oxygen. Establishing a good airflow for your seedlings helps to prevent any growth of mold, bacteria or fungal infections and encourages stronger stems. Helping your seedlings to breathe is just as important as providing them with light or water.
Thinning seedlings is essential to helping them thrive!
Here’s how to thin seedlings:
- Wait to thin the seedlings until they have developed their first set of true leaves.
- Identify the seedling closet to the center, ideally the one with the strongest stem.
- Use either micro or sewing scissors and trim closest to the soil level.
- Careful to not pull the seedlings up as you do not want to disturb any developing roots of your remaining seedling.
- Take your clipped seedling microgreens and compost.
- Ensure your seedlings are kept moist and have good air circulation to grow!
If you happen to have a lot of seedlings to trim it can be a little tedious, however your seedlings will thank you as they begin to put on more growth.
Just remember to begin thinning once you see the first (or second) set of true leaves and keep the humidity dome off of your seedlings. Be careful not to pull your seedlings up to ensure the roots stay intact, and try to keep the remaining seedlings as closest to the center as possible.
Here’s a helpful video to show you exactly how to thin your seedlings as well!
Best of luck in your seedling journey! What seeds will you start next?
-Kate