You may not want to consider it, but it is important to remove some of the plants you have starting to grow. When I first started to garden, I refused to thin because I felt like I was wasting some of the seedlings that began to grow. Now, after a few years, I realize it is very important to get some of them out of the way for the good ones to grow bigger.
In order for the plants to grow more freely, you have to give them the space they need. Plants will not grow as well if there is another plant right on top of it. You have to remove some of them to give the others room to grow. You can try to transplant them, but I typically just throw them into the compost bin.
When I plant, I typically put 2-3 seeds per spot just in case some do not grow. When they all do grow, the thinning process must be completed. In each spot, find the best looking one and leave it alone. Take the other couple out of that area. This way you get to pick the best of the crop to finish growing. Less plants with more room will produce more than more plants with less room.
Timing usually is not too critical, but you do not want to wait too long as the roots underground may start to intertwine and then when you try to pull one you wind up pulling the ones you wanted to keep. So, thin them out before they get too large, but also wait until they are well set into their growth pattern. Give the plants the room they need and the bounty will follow.
Remember, Mother Earth smiles when you garden!
No comments:
Post a Comment