Yes, this is true and although I do not “recommend” separating seedlings because the root systems really are quite fragile and you can end up killing all of the ones you’re trying to save… I do it. I said that the reason that you plant so many extra seeds is so that you can thin them and get the best of the best.
If you can’t move them outside, then put a fan on them on low a few hours a day for the same affect.Įveryone has heard the saying “ do as I say not as I do“. The stems will thicken and get stringer when they are subjected to a breeze. Put them in a well lit area but not under direct sun as this can burn the seedlings.
If all of your seedlings have thin stems, then I would move what you have left after you thin outside during the day (weather permitting) as much as you possibly can. Some have a tendency to grow curved or wavy and I will always choose a straight stem in leu of these. The straightness of the stem is something that I take into consideration as well. If the stem tapers as you get closer to the soil line this is an indication of inconsistent watering (over or under) and again is a sign it should be snipped. Thin stemmed seedlings don’t transplant well outside because they aren’t strong enough to withstand the elements. If the stem of the seedling looks thin in comparison to some others, then this is a good indication of a weaker seedling. Snipping them off at the soil line is the quickest method and ensures you don’t cause any damage to the ones you’re sparing. I do not recommend pulling the seedlings out, as at this point the root systems are very fragile and if the roots are connected to the one you’re keeping it could pull it up as well. This will allow the strongest to grow without any competition. You pick the strongest seedling in the cell, and then cut the others at the soil level with scissors. The process of thinning seedlings is quite easy. You want the best of the best! The purpose of planting 2-3 seeds per cell is to ensure that you end up with one strong healthy seedling in each. 
But guess what? That’s why you plant so many seeds per cell. No one does! I hate having to cut out perfectly healthy tomato seedlings because there is another one a little bigger or healthier looking. All that work, all that doting, and now you have to remove the weak ones so that the strong can thrive. This process is called thinning your seedlings and it is unfortunately necessary. Now, I’m going to tell you that you have to pick the strongest and best ones and cut out all the rest. You started them from seed and nurtured them to help them grow big and strong. Up until this point in your tomato growing journey you have fussed over and doted on these seedlings as if they were your babies.
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