Are these seedlings too small to thin?

greengiant

Hi there

I'd be most grateful for advice as to whether I should wait a bit to transplant my lettuce (Butterhead & Little Gem) & broccoli seedlings & if so when should I do it (the advice for lettuce that I've found states "thin when large enough to handle" - thing is I can't tell what's large enough & what isn't). I've probably sown some seeds a little more thickly than I should have & am concerned about over crowding but also don't want to damage the seedlings if they're still too frail. The lettuces are about half and inch high with 2 leaves (maybe a tiny third appearing) while the broccoli is about 2 inches with 3 leaves. All are being grown in situ. I've attached a couple of photos. Cheers. Smile

Nozebleed · Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 11:31 am Post subject:

i thinned my lettuce around that stage..and my turnips a little smaller..if you're goin to do it make sure to water well before hand. id also earth up the broccolli afterwards firm them in well.

greengiant · Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 12:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks Nozebleed

michael brenock · Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 9:39 pm Post subject:

well greengiant your sowing rate is excellent and the plants look great and are ready for thinning out and transplanting. best advice now is to water well before thinning and lift carefully carrying as much soil attached to the roots as possible and transplant to a suitably prepared bed. Plant to the same depth as they were growing and firm into place. Water well after planting. Space the thinned plants and the transplants 10-12 inches apart and protect from slugs.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

michael brenock · Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

broccoli can be left for another few days but they look well
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

greengiant · Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:27 am Post subject:

Thanks for the words of encouragement Michael. I'm very pleased with the progress so far (I also have Nantes carrots, mixed coloured carrots, parsnips, Maris Peer spuds, beetroot, red & regular coloured onions, shallots, radish, rocket, & cauli all coming up in similar fashion) but feeling a little nervous about the transplanting / thinning in case I make a mess of it - I'll proceed as you suggest. It's providing me with no small amount of pleasure each day, even if it is responsible for a few late clock-ins at work recently!

Garlicbreath · Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 4:09 pm Post subject:

I usually wait until they're big enough to eat as baby leaves then thin them - straight into my gob! Laughing