Thinning out means removing the seedlings from the original container and replacing them in single pots to give them more space for growth. The method explained here is suitable for any type of plant.
Steps
Step 1. Know when the seedlings are ready
Thinning is necessary when the leaves of the seedlings begin to touch. In general, this happens when they have produced the second pair of leaves. This phase is called the "true leaves" since the first pair is the seminal one. If the seedbeds are too dense, the top of each stem will weaken, thinning.
Step 2. Prepare the ground
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Sift the soil onto a flat surface to break up any clods.
Thin Out Seedlings Step 2Bullet1 - Fill a seedbed or jars with soil using your hands.
- Beat to level the content.
Step 3. Separate the seedlings
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Insert the hole in the ground at the edge of the seedbed.
Thin Out Seedlings Step 3Bullet1 - Move it backwards to loosen the soil under the seedling and gently pull it out.
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Carefully separate the seedlings by grabbing them by the leaves. Avoid holding them by the stem or roots, which could be easily damaged.
Thin Out Seedlings Step 3Bullet3
Step 4. Choose the strongest seedlings and those with a more developed root ball
Throw away those that are weaker, small or with few roots that would not take root.
Step 5. Reattach them
- Create a hole with the hole that is wide and deep enough to hold the root ball.
- Plant the seedling and compact the soil around the base.
Step 6. Label
Using a permanent marker, write the variety of the plant on one side of the label and the date on the other. Place it on the edge of the seedbed.
Step 7. Water
Turn the shower upside down to avoid breaking down the surface of the ground. Water abundantly.
Step 8. Let it grow
Each seed grows on its own terms. Check the envelope that contained them. If the seedlings will go outside, place them in a cold greenhouse or outside in an area protected from direct light and wind. In this way they will acclimate to the final conditions. When they have produced 3 or 4 pairs of leaves, they will be ready to be stuffed back into the earth.
Step 9. Finished
Advice
- All tools can be bought at the greenhouse or in a plant shop.
- Keep a record of what you plant each year, so you will know what the growing pattern is, the best time to transplant, the most suitable areas, etc.
