I didn't want to do it

but the instructions on the seed packet said to thin out the seedlings.

I've never thrown living plants away before.

I'm trying my hardest to have a better garden this year.  Following directions might help me in this quest.

Tossing the little sprouts reminded me of Ingrid, my carpooling friend when I worked at Digital way back when.

The company hired a plant lady to come in once a week to take care of the potted plants in the office.

She would water, trim, and do whatever the plants needed.  Another co-worker, Maggie, would tell the plant lady to hide the clippings where Ingrid couldn't see them.  She said we'd need to stage an intervention if Ingrid found living plants in the garbage.  I respected the warning and, despite spending hours in the car together each week, never asked Ingrid about it.  I think I kind of know how she might have felt.

Here are the keepers.

Grow well, little sprouts!