Plant seeds growing too close
Subtle
Posts: 4
Hello all
Two weeks ago I sowed a few seeds which came in a packet. This was my first time and there were no proper instructions on the packet either.
I was under the impression that not all seeds grow into seedlings so I sowed a few together (5 to 7 seeds) in separate pockets.
The problem now is all the seeds have grown and as seen in the attached picture, I face a problem of seedlings being too close to each other.
Could anyone advise me please on how to best manage these seedlings and when the time comes how do I shift them to proper pots?
Thanks.
Did the picture attach? Here is the external link:
Last edited: 02 May 2017 11:04:02
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Here is another close up picture: http://imgur.com/a/WC2nT
Different seeds have different needs. Some like light, some don't, some like heat, some don't, they all need moisture but not drowning, some don't like root disturbance and need to sown very thinly in plugs so they can be potted on with no grumpng.
Generally speaking I find it easiest to sow in module trays filled with seed compost for small seeds and small pots for bigger seeds such as squashes and beans.
A lot depends on what you have sown but I think you need to let yours grow on till they're at least an inch or two high and then lift each clump out gently with a pencil or an old table fork. Holding them by their leaves - ever the stems - gently separate them and put each one in fresh compost in a module or a small pot. Firm them very gently so as not to damage the stem and water from below by soaking in a tray.
More info on seed sowing from the RHS here - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=501 You can often find specific info on reputable seed company websites - seedaholics, plant world, Chiltern if you google the name of the plant+seed.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Don't worry just wait until they are about 3"tall and got couple more sets of leaves then gently prise apart with a dibber or similar and either spread around in your trough or individual pots.
Oops! Cross post with Obi, she goes into so much more detail than I do?
Oops here too - that should read Never hold the stems.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw