Thinning 101

Thinning out veggies is something that may feel counter intuitive. You're pulling out your babies! Why?

Because thinning out your growth can help with the overall success of the veggies! 

For the root veggies like the beets, radish and carrots (These are called root veggies because the fruit they grow grow below the soil, like a root, instead of growing from the stem or leave parts above the soil) it's best to thin them to avoid smaller fruit. 

To grow them, you make rows and sprinkle the seeds in a designated area. From there they grow and can grow super close to one another. Think of it like being in a bus that is completely full, no seats and no standing room either, not to comfortable right? 

If you were to leave them like this, you might not have too successful a harvest. Not as many will grow and the veggies will be thin and small. But, if you thin them out you'll be able to avoid this!

To thin out your root veggies is simple. When they get to be about 2 weeks old or when their leaves above the soil get to be about 2 inches in height pull out excess growth so there is anywhere from 2-4 inches of space between each veggie (We list how much spacing is needed when thinning on the seed packet). Now, each individual plant has their comfy area to grow! 

For the loose leaf veggies like the mixed greens and spinach, we recommend thinning so that each seed grows to their fullest potential. If they're all competing to grow and grow and there isn't enough space or nutrients to go around there won't be a lot to enjoy come harvest time! 

So although it feels wrong, thinning out the veggies will really help your plant babies in the long run!