I planted three things from seeds: carrots, cucumbers, and cantaloupe. All are growing pretty well. When I planted them, I did as the instructions said - I sowed 2-3 seeds in a hole. Now, I have two plants growing out of each hole. What do I do now? In any one spot, if one looked weaker than the other, I would remove it. But each plant looks as healthy as the other in the same hole. What do I do?
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Tom J
If they are in small pots, then you can dump them out onto a newspaper and (very carefully) separate the two plants. Then plant each one in its own spot.
Otherwise, the "2 seeds per hole" idea is just to ensure that you'll get at least one good plant without any blank spots in your garden. You'll probably have to sacrifice one of them eventually so that the other can thrive.
I've heard stories of people going ahead and letting both plants grow together in the same spot--thus, occassionally creating a mega-plant--but more likely, they will both end up weaker than normal since they are competing for the same nutrients when they are that close together.
But you are saying that I do have to (or should) remove one of the plants? Correct? I'm guessing yes.
Yes. One of the plants will have to be removed or else both them will end up having stunted growth.
snipped-for-privacy@excite.com wrote in news:8556166e-3c40-4219-bb7e-0cd83a237665 @z72g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
That's exactly what thinning is. Most seed packets tell you to plant way more than you need, and then after a month or so thin the seedlings to a different spacing.
IMO, that's a waste of seed, but it's a long established practice.
Puckdropper
The alternative is to dig them up. Carefully wash the dirt off of the roots and separate them. Now you have two plants;-)
Just one last question. As there are two plants growing out of the same hole that I sowed the seeds (I have carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumbers), I have to get rid one one. If I can't dig them up and wash them off and replant one, I guess I should just clip one off with scissors. Correct? Thanks for the help everyone. I'm new to this, but growing a vegetable garden is fun so far.
How big is the plant and what kind is it? You can dig up the plants, separate them and replant them but I wouldn't recommend it unless you wanted one more plant and the only other option is starting from seed. Digging up the plants will damage he smaller (most important) root hairs and will set your plants back as they recover. If you decide to dig up your plants, carefully remove the dirt from the roots with a gentle flow of water. Gently separate the roots starting at their tip NOT THE BASE OF THE SEEDLING. Do not grasp the seedling by its' stalk, hold only the roots and GENTLY spread them from from the center to the side (this is best done under running water. (Again, DO NOT PULL ON THE STALK.) There will be a bit of a tangle at the end and you probably will lose some smaller roots. Replant, fish emulsion, and give partial shade for a week.
This is quicker than germinating from seed. You will lose some time in the plants development, compared to having snipped one plant and letting the other develop. You may kill both plants, not likely but possible.
I would be tempted to do this with tomatoes for which there was no replacement. Otherwise, snip the second plant and get another one from the nursery. There is always next year;o))
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