thinning out lettuce help

[gunners71uk]

ok i new to all this but im getting on ok but my lettuce have been thickly sown whats quickest effecteve way of thinning please i have hands like shovels lol

[Shirley]

How big are they?? seedling stage or bigger??

use a dibber/stick or something to gently lift them... ?
Get someone else to do it?


Eat the thinnings!!

[hedgewizard]

Yeah, what Shirlz said. If you want to transplant any of them do it in the evening and take as much soil with them as possible, then give them a drop of water. Otherwise just pinch them out and then pluck out the root ball when you can safely do so (or it rots and then you have fungus about) and water the neighbouring plants in case they're a bit surprised.

When you thin out, it's about time to plant your next lot. THINLY!

[Andy Hamilton]

You are not the only one gunners, I have stayed clear of growing lettuce until this year and now have an area that I could sleep on.

I have just been getting a knife and cutting one out everyday so that there is room for the others. Some I have transplanted and are doing a great job.

[gunners71uk]

well idid it i just took out clumps made gaps of 4 inches then took most out of that clump leaving 1-2 together i watered them with the rose on they look a bit hassled in places but ok i will sow in a seed box and transplant next time.hope fully there be ok i have coverd them with fleece over wire mesh supports then as they grow i will thin out to about 8 inches.
thanks all
dave

[Stonehead]

ok i new to all this but im getting on ok but my lettuce have been thickly sown whats quickest effecteve way of thinning please i have hands like shovels lol

Two small boys and a pair of those bamboo tongs that come with woks. Use the tongs to thin the seedlings, passing the lettuces to the boys to eat!