I can't imagine weeding that much either
. I have over 600 seedlings. Soon I have to weed them for the third time since planting in June. The bed was sod last summer so I know I must keep on top of it now or I'll be sorry. If I had as many seedlings as you do...I know it wouldn't all get done. You must have had a great feeling of accomplishment when it was done and the seedlings could "see the light". They were probably all singing
"I can see clearly now the weeds have gone".