how big does a seedling have to be before its okay to thin ?

jazzbyrd · « **on:** May 30, 2008, 17:12 »

I have some lettuce seeds which i planted last weekend. They are up today with two little leaves. Do I thin at this stage or should i wait until they are larger!!

Jazzbyrd

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2008, 17:15 »

Bit too small yet, I'd wait until at least the next set of leaves appear.

I do lettuce this way......

Just a few in a small pot, (you'll still sow too many).

When large enough to handle, transplant into seed tray. (I put 24 in a large one).

Grow on until at least the next set of leaves appear & then plant in final position.

One packet of seed lasts years!

jazzbyrd · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2008, 17:20 »

Thanks DD

gobs · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2008, 20:56 »

Wait well till thinning, as wild life always does a bit for you.

Snap Dragon · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2008, 00:56 »

Quote from: "DD."

Bit too small yet, I'd wait until at least the next set of leaves appear.

I do lettuce this way......

Just a few in a small pot, (you'll still sow too many).

When large enough to handle, transplant into seed tray. (I put 24 in a large one).

Grow on until at least the next set of leaves appear & then plant in final position.

One packet of seed lasts years!

Sounds like a good plan!

I'm gonna try this one in the morning...... I have a fear of sowing tiny weeny seeds in the earth!

Another good idea DD!

iwantanallotment · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2008, 01:27 »

The flimsy lettuce is surprisingly hardy, I've found.
I grow them successionally 'cos there's a greedy pet to feed, and no matter what stage I plonk them in at, they always do me proud.
This year I'm growing a variety new to me - "Triumphator" from Holland. 19p a pkt from B&M's - date valid 'til 2011, yet they're outdoing all my other lettuces....forming hearts within a few days etc. My 'All Year Round' just can't touch them.
I have lots of spare seeds, so if anyone wants to try a few for free just ask

NOT arguing with DD's advice, btw.....I'm just a novice, but with seeds that cheap and a greedy pet, nothing to lose

DD. · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2008, 07:09 »

Quote from: "Snap Dragon"

Another good idea DD!

:oops:

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