Benefits of Thinning

As mentioned in a previous post, it is very difficult to thin sprouting plants that seem so healthy. Thinning refers to the agricultural practice of removing plants or parts of plants to make room for other plants. Typically, seed packets recommend planting seeds close together, then thinning after a period of time. Since not all seeds germinate or produce a healthy plant, this strategy of over-planting increases the likelihood that some plants will sprout and develop.

These radishes were planted at the same time.
Those in the top row had room to grow, those
in the bottom were crowded together.

Once established, plants need room and resources to grow. With fewer plants, each individual plant has access to the resources it needs, such as nutrients, water, and light. Roots spread out and establish a firm foundation, and air circulates around the plant preventing molds and disease. Healthy plants yield more produce.

To thin, determine which plants to eliminate. Remove weaker, underdeveloped plants, and leave the larger, hardier ones. Pull the plant out gently from moistened soil, so you don’t disturb the roots of the remaining plants, or cut the plant at the soil line, leaving the root in the ground to compost. Another option is to transplant the plants you remove. Try thinning over time, so it doesn’t feel so drastic. In my experience, the results are almost immediate – the remaining plants leap in their growth, which encourages me to thin some more.