How to Thin Out Seedlings

Seedlings must be thinned out to grow into healthy and strong adults. Although it can feel wrong to remove healthy plants, this prevents fungal and growth problems later on. Creating enough space between the plants lets each seedling get all of the sunlight, water, and nutrients it needs. Wait until the seedlings are 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) tall and choose a mild day to start thinning them out. Properly spaced plants will help your garden be fruitful and thriving!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Which Seedlings to Cut

1
Thin the seedlings when they are 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) tall. Monitor the growth of the seedlings closely. Don’t let the seedlings get too big, as more leaves will form, which can cause crowding.^{[1]XResearch source}
- It's easiest to wait until the seedlings are tall enough to grasp.
Seed leaves are replaced by true leaves as the seedlings grow. Look for leaves that match the adults, as seed leaves are more rounded and simpler than true leaves. Waiting for the true leaves to appear helps you pinpoint the healthiest seedlings to keep.^{[2]XResearch source}
Advertisement
3
Pick a mild day when the soil is damp. Thinned seedlings have a greater survival chance if the weather is not too hot or cold. Moisten the soil with a hose or a watering can if it's too dry.^{[3]XResearch source}
- It's easier to pull up roots from damp soil.
Only start thinning out when the temperature is cooler. The remaining seedlings need time to adjust to the extra air and light before the increased sunlight exposure during the next day. This prevents the seedlings from getting stressed and helps them to grow into healthy adults.^{[4]XResearch source}
5
Locate the strongest and healthiest seedlings to keep. Look for the seedlings that appear bright, healthy, and disease-free. Use thin wooden sticks like toothpicks or popsicle sticks to mark these seedlings. Check that there is only 1 seedling per cell or that you have followed the recommended spacing.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Taller seedlings aren’t always stronger. Avoid choosing tall and spindly seedlings, as these may not become healthy adults.
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Removing the Seedlings

Often several seedlings are started in the same place to make germination more likely. Leave only 1 seedling in each cell or punnet to give it the best chance of survival.
2
Learn the recommended spacing for seedlings that share a plot. Read the seed packet to find the spacing for thinning out your particular plant. Follow the recommended guidelines so that the remaining seedlings have the best chance to grow.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If the spacing is too small you may need to thin out the seedlings again later.
- The recommended spacing varies between plants. For example, for beans it's 4 in (10 cm) and for corn it's 1–1.5 ft (30–46 cm).^{[7]XResearch source}
3
Pull up leafy seedlings from the ground. Grasp firmly where the shoots meet the soil. Gently pull the seedling upwards to pull out the roots. Leafy seedlings are easy to remove with your hands.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Press your fingers on the soil around each desired seedling when you remove the neighbors if you are worried about disturbing the roots.
- Discard the seedlings when you are done. Alternatively, you can wash the microgreens and use them in a salad!
4
Cut the seedlings at soil level to thin root vegetables. Use a small pair of scissors to cut the shoots off the seedlings you aren’t keeping. Do this for vegetables like beetroot, carrot, parsnip, and potato. This is because pulling up root vegetables can easily disturb neighboring plants.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You can thin out any seedlings with scissors if you are worried about damaging the roots of the desired plants. However, it takes longer than simply pulling up the roots.
Water the seedlings lightly after thinning them out using a watering case or a hose with a fine-spray nozzle. Keep the seedlings well-watered to help them grow into healthy adults!^{[10]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Can you explain the process of transplanting seed?
Donagan
Top Answerer
The idea is not to disturb the roots during transplant. When the soil in the pot is slightly wet, dig a hole in the garden slightly larger than the pot. Put some compost or fertilizer in the hole. Gently remove the roots and soil from the pot and set them in the hole. Add more compost/fertilizer around the root ball if you can. Gently tamp down on the root ball. Add some water. Stake the plant if it needs (or will need) support.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question
What should I use to thin out seedlings?
Donagan
Top Answerer
All you need is fingers. Just pull up the weaker or smaller ones.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Gently prick out small seedlings and transplant them into their own cells if you are wary of disposing of extra sprouts.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0
If you aren’t happy with the idea of thinning out your seedlings, try to spread out the seeds you sow. However, often seeds are tiny so this can be difficult.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0