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Thinning out seedlings

nero7nero7 Posts: 5
Hi,
for the first time this year I’ve been planting from seed. Some of them like these alyssum I’ve planted in situ but there’s quite a lot! Should I be thinning these out, and they should be fine transplanted elsewhere? Appreciate any advice!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2023
    I thin you'll definitely need to thin those out! It's always better to sow more thinly  ;)
    You might be able to prick out and save some for another pot though.
    What's slightly more worrying is what look like something long and weedy sitting in there. Where is that from? I'd remove those in case they're willow or similar. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • nero7nero7 Posts: 5
    Yes I’ve definitely overdone it with the seeding! Those are just catkins from the neighbours birch. I pick up one and three more fall in it’s place 😂
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd remove those- they can seed. Perhaps you could arrange a cover of some kind or move your container until it's 'safe' to put it back  ;)
    Your seedlings seem to have their proper leaves, so if you're careful, you should be able to prick out some. If it's too tricky, you'll just have to thin them and sacrifice those.  

    We've all been there with seed sowing. It can help with small seeds to mix them with some sand if you have it, before sowing,  but the other technique is to pour a small amount in your hand, and then close your hand until you have the seed in the crease. You can then tap the edge of that crease with your other hand/fingers, so that you get a very light, gradual stream of seed dropping out. I hope that makes sense, but you'll probably be able to find a video online of it.
    It takes a little practice, but is quite easy once you get the hang of it - and saves using too much seed, especially if it's expensive    ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited May 2023
    Fairygirl said:
    What's slightly more worrying is what look like something long and weedy sitting in there. Where is that from? I'd remove those in case they're willow or similar. 
    Sound advice...as always.
    Weedy thing just looks like Silver birch catkin.



    See advice from Monty on video on how to prick out seedlings.

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-transplant-seedlings/
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I couldn't make it out clearly enough @Silver surfer. Should have thought of birch - it's everywhere here - one of our most common trees. Maybe I'm so used to seeing it I don't even notice it now.
    At first I thought it could be those horrible Carex pendula heads, but the timing's wrong for those landing anywhere, and they looked too thin/skimpy.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • nero7nero7 Posts: 5
    Thank you both for your advice. Much appreciated! 
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