Thinning seedlings

hatty_

Hi gardeners!

I’m a new to gardening and have recently successfully grown some Candytuft seedlings. 

I think they are now ready to thin out as they have their first pair of proper leaves. 

I’m confused however as to the
directions on the packet. It says “When large enough thin to 15cm apart”.

Does this mean that each seedling must be 15cm away in all directions from another seedling? Or that I can keep them in rows but the rows should just be 15cm apart. Sorry if this is a stupid question! 

As an aside, I think I may have sown them too densely ?

Pete.8

Hi Hatty
Yes, your seedlings need about 15cm (6") between each one in each direction to stop them getting in a tangle.
And yes, I think you may have sown a bit too much
Don't wait too long as the roots will be getting tangled already.
You may well be able to save some of the ones you thin out and replant elsewhere if they're not too damaged.
Give them a water to re-settle the roots when you're done

Mary370

I would try to remove and the biggest seedlings and replant either in the ground or small pots.  I hate thinning out, makes me feel bad that they have gone to the bother of germinating and there I go culling them ......stupid I know

Fairygirl

It's always the way though- if you hardly sow any , they don't germinate at all!
They do it to annoy us 
The above advice from both is perfect. You'll have plenty anyway