Between planting tomato seeds and planting grown seedling bushes in open ground or in a greenhouse, you need to remember about such an important stage as picking. In order not to harm young plants during transplantation, but, on the contrary, to stimulate their development, certain rules must be followed. You can learn about them from this article.
What is this procedure and why is it needed
By picking, we mean transplanting young seedlings from a common tray into separate cups or pots. During this procedure, the lower part of the root is pinched. This is done in order to stimulate lateral growth of the root system. The pick is carried out after the appearance of the first true leaves.
Thanks to the procedure, the lateral roots begin to form better in the seedlings, due to which the plant receives significantly more nutrients. Also, after planting, the seedlings do not have to compete with each other, they receive more sunlight and are better ventilated. This increases their resistance to disease. Picking is required in order for the seedlings to more easily adapt to new conditions after planting in a permanent place.
How to do everything right and not harm
A couple of days before the procedure, I stop watering the seedlings. This is necessary so that the soil is not overly heavy, and the seedlings are removed from it without damage.
I carefully pry the tomato sprouts with a teaspoon and, together with a small earthen clod, transfer them to new containers with prepared soil. At the same time, I make holes in new containers in advance.
After transplanting, I add the earth almost to the cotyledon leaves. Then they compact it and water it with settled water.
For cut tomatoes, the same soil is suitable as for seeds, but complex mineral fertilizers should be additionally added to it. For every 5 liters of substrate, 1 tbsp is required. l.
Also, some gardeners prefer another way of picking seedlings. About 1 hour before the procedure, they water the seedlings. Then the contents of the container are gently shaken out onto the work surface. Using a small stick, the roots of the plants are separated, after which they are seated in separate containers. After transplantation, the earth is tamped and watered a little. This is a good method, as the root system of the seedlings is less damaged. But it takes more time.
What to do when the seedlings are sitting in new containers
After planting, the seedlings should be kept in a room where it is possible to regulate the temperature. Depending on the age of the plants, the temperature indicators will need to be changed:
- In the first 3 days, the daytime temperature should be in the range from +18 to +20 degrees, and at night - from +15 to +18 degrees.
- From the fourth to the seventh day, the night temperature drops to +15 degrees.
- After a week, you need to start taking seedlings outside for half an hour every day.
In order for the tomatoes to develop well, I apply fertilizers every 2 weeks. To do this, I use top dressing bought in specialized stores. But if you want, you can make your own fertilizers. To do this, dissolve in 10 liters of water:
- 4 g of urea;
- 2 g potassium sulfate;
- 35 g superphosphate.
All you need to mix thoroughly and insist for a day. Use once every 2 weeks instead of watering.
Picking strengthens the bushes and increases their yield. The technology is quite simple, but if it is carried out incorrectly, it can harm the plants. Therefore, try to adhere to the recommendations given in this article.
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