thinning out - just cut them ?

[gingerneil]

I have planted a sprinkling of broc seeds in a few 3" peat pots. They are about an inch high and need thinning. However, the rots are interwined. Can I just cut those i dont want at soil level and let the roots die ?

[shirlthegirl43]

Interesting question. Personally, to avoid the issue, I sow things singly. I suspect that leaving a stem with no leaves might lead to problems with the stem rotting but I don't know for sure. I am sure that the experienced grapes will be along shortly. If it was me, I would let them grow a bit bigger and see if they will separate more easily then.

[Nicos]

We sow thinly and grow on a bit too and then gently seperate the roots.
I've heard that the cutting method works fine- But I had wondered about rotting, and I'm also too mean to waste seedlings!!

[srodders]

They recommend that when you thin carrots you cut them, as opposed to pull them out, so as not to release too much smell to attract root fly - so I guess it can't be too bad a thing to do.

[rustylady]

Use a kitchen fork to lift the seedlings, and transplant into single cells or space out about 2 or 3 inches apart in a seed tray. Personally I prefer cells. When you lift the seedlings out of the compost you should be able to gently separate the roots. Good luck

[LaurenGrows]

Great tip, would never have thought to use a kitchen fork. Thanks for that

Use a kitchen fork to lift the seedlings, and transplant into single cells or space out about 2 or 3 inches apart in a seed tray. Personally I prefer cells. When you lift the seedlings out of the compost you should be able to gently separate the roots. Good luck

[ysb33r]

Sometime snipping is the best thing you can do. The remains of the "unfortunate" seedling will just decompose anyway.

Although if the seedling will survive the transplant, using a kitchen fork is a very good idea.

[denise]

I have never heard about 'snipping' to thin out seedlings. Will try it if all else fails.

[muckdiva]

The guy who wrote 'Square Foot Gardening' (Mel Bartholemew) advocates 'snipping' rather than trying to separate roots, and says it works very well.... I've never tried it, but intend to this year if necessary.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Strewth - I'm worried now - wish I'd seen this thread half an hour ago...

I sowed 2 seeds into each of 6 jiffys for brussels and broc a few weeks ago and have just spent a very happy half hour snipping out the weaker seedling and popping the jiffies into 3" pots.

I just figured that it would cause less root disturbance to the favoured survivor - didn't give a thought about rotting.

[Flummery]

Don't make them too soggy - I bet you get away with it. Nature's dead forgiving!