Germinating seeds

Already since the weekend, i've had come up already lupins and the red indian spinach . And i've just sowed carrots and basil

 

I understand that in consideration of political correctness, red indian spinach will henceforth be known as native american spinach.

 

I've just checked its name on my previous post and it was actually called north indian red spinach any way

 

My seeds have mostly germinated, some are bigger than others, but generally, I am pleased and hope to see them through into adulthood. That means that I'll have to prick them out I suppose. Two questions: how big do the wee seedlings have to be before you can prick them out? And secondly, what sort of a tool do you use? Some of mine are so delicate and fairly close together, that I'd be worried about being too brutal. Any tips on how to do this gently and effectively?

 

I assume you have too many of everything Rosie so it doesn't matter if you lose a few. The tool I (and most people) use is the earliest known to man (and woman) - your fingers. You can tell how much pressure you are putting on. I also find a small dessert fork is useful for gently pushing into the compost and lifting the seedings. How big? How long is a piece of string? Thin them when you can do it without damaging the plants. If you are clumsy then leave them longer than if you are delicate. And don't forget when transplanting to put them in deeper than they were then spray with water, don't pour or you will drown them.

 

I wish i found this place a year ago with that kind of advice :D

Would you recommend composting up to where the seedling leaves are if they have their next set of leaves sprouted? Its just i read about doing this with tomato plants and from your post sounds like its may be more general.

 

It won't hurt but I don't plant that deep. But if you don't go a little deeper then they will just damp off, keel over and die.