Thinning Seedlings

So, you've planted some seeds, nursed them into existence and now you're going to lop their heads off?!  Yep!!!  Alright, I know it's hard...I actually hate this process...but it's necessary in order to ensure that each of your plants has its best chance at producing some delicious harvests for you later this year.

Now, how do you know which ones to lop off and which to keep?

First, check for sets of true leaves.  You want two or three good looking sets.

Then, check each stem for its thickness and straightness.  You want a hardy looking little guy that is reaching for the sky, not his neighbor.  This isn't a perfect science, so don't stress out if none of them are perfectly straight.  Sometimes they fight with each other for light and grow a little crooked in the process.  Just use your best judgement.

I decided to keep the thickest guy,
even though he was growing a little crooked
 because he also had the healthiest sets of leaves :-)

Once you've determined which seedlings to keep and which to lop off, simply take a pair of scissors and remove the weaklings.  You want to cut them, not pull them.  Pulling them could damage the root system of the one you're keeping.

Now, all you have left to do is up-pot your little guy and wait patiently for him to size up and for the weather to warm up!

That's it!  It really is simple...once you get past the sadness of it all, that is  ;-)

Happy thinning!!!