April is a magical time when nature awakens from its winter slumber. For gardeners, this marks the beginning of a new season and the time to plant. To ensure a bountiful harvest, experienced gardeners follow a lunar sowing calendar. This calendar is based on observing the phases of the moon, which influence plant growth and development.
In April 2024, the following is recommended:
- First week (April 1st to 7th):
- Sowing seeds of early vegetables in a greenhouse or under film on beds: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants.
- Preparing soil for sowing root crops: carrots, beets.
- Sowing seeds of greens: dill, parsley, lettuce.
- Second week (April 8-14):
- Planting early vegetable seeds in open ground: carrots, radishes, spinach.
- Planting onion crops: onions, garlic.
- Fertilizing previously planted plants.
- Week 3 (April 15-21):
- Transplanting early vegetable seedlings into open ground: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants.
- Sowing seeds of legumes: peas, beans.
- Planting potatoes in the garden.
- Week 4 (April 22-30):
- Sowing flower seeds in open ground: petunias, asters, dahlias.
- Feeding plants with mineral fertilizers.
- Watering and caring for previously planted plants.
Favorable days for sowing depend on the moon phase and the region's climate. Remember to consider your local area and follow these recommendations for successful gardening.
Benefits of planting in March
All vegetable crops have different germination times, conditions for seedling development, and transplanting of finished seedlings to their permanent location. It's important to choose the right time for planting right away. If sown early, the seedlings will stretch out by the time they're transplanted to their permanent location and adapt poorly to open ground. If you delay planting, the vegetables won't have time to ripen.
When sown in April, eggplants are given the time they need to fully develop. By the time they are transplanted to their permanent location, they have time to grow stronger and develop a strong immune system. growing seedlings at home Provided with the required level of lighting, watering, and fertilizing, and protected from sudden temperature fluctuations, seedlings require an optimal microclimate and good care during the first 3-4 weeks, until they become established.
The best planting days are in April
The optimal sowing time for eggplants is determined based on the variety's characteristics, the region's climate, and the phases of the moon. Regardless of the growing season, the vegetable requires 2-2.5 months to fully develop. An additional 10 days are added to this period, allowing for germination after sowing. Regional weather conditions are also taken into account. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once the soil has warmed to 20°C.
The harvesting period ends two weeks before the onset of autumn frosts. After selecting the sowing date, add an additional seven days for insurance. This is necessary in case of a prolonged and cold spring, as in most of Russia, the risk of unexpected frosts remains even in the first ten days of June.
In many regions of Russia, sowing eggplant seeds in unprotected beds is prohibited in April. Only in the southern part of the country is this method possible, at the end of the month, if warm weather has already set in. Even then, it's advisable to cover the bed with plastic to protect the seedlings from freezing.
According to the lunar calendar
Many gardeners plan their planting schedules for different eggplant varieties based on the phases of the moon. The moon exerts a gravitational pull, the strength of which varies depending on its position. During a waxing moon, plant sap moves upward. During this period, the above-ground portion of the plant develops best. This is a good time to plant crops that bear fruit above ground. When the moon wanes, the direction of sap flow reverses, stimulating root development. During this period, bulbous flowers and vegetables that bear fruit underground are planted.
The waxing moon is the best time to sow eggplant. The zodiac sign the moon is in is also taken into account. The most fertile signs are considered to be Taurus, Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer, and Capricorn. Favorable and unfavorable days for sowing eggplant in April 2021 are listed in the table below.
| Characteristics of the day | Dates |
| Favorable days | 4-10 |
| Unfavorable days | 11, 12, 13, 27 |
By region
In the Moscow region and other regions of central Russia, varieties with short and medium growing seasons are grown. Greenhouse planting is recommended for late-ripening varieties in this region. Here, eggplants are planted as seedlings in the first ten days of April. If planted later in unprotected beds, the vegetables will not ripen.
Siberia and the Urals have a harsh climate. Only adapted varieties with a short maturation period thrive here. They are best planted in a greenhouse, as cold snaps are common even in June. Seeds are sown in early April or late March. The mature plants are not transplanted outdoors until the second half of June. However, if grown in a greenhouse, transplanting is possible as early as May.
The weather conditions in the Leningrad Region are very similar to those in the Urals or Siberia. Therefore, seeding here occurs at the same time. In this region, only early varieties ripen in unprotected beds. Eggplants with a mid-season growth season are grown in greenhouses.
The Far East's climate is not suitable for growing nightshade crops. However, thanks to the work of breeders, early-ripening eggplant varieties have recently emerged that thrive and produce fruit even here. They are grown in greenhouses. Seeds are sown in March.
The climate in southern Russia is very favorable for growing eggplant. Varieties with different growing seasons thrive here. Sowing seeds for seedlings is possible throughout April, but you must take into account favorable dates according to the lunar calendar.
According to the manufacturers' recommendations
When sowing, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging. First and foremost, pay attention to the ripening period. In colder regions, there's little time between germination and harvest. Therefore, only early-ripening eggplants are grown here, avoiding the risk of freezing. The average yield of the variety is also taken into account. In reality, the yield of the harvested eggplants is significantly affected by the soil's acidity. The higher the acidity, the less fruit the eggplants produce.
Features of cultivation
Eggplant seedlings require specific conditions for successful growth. High-quality seeds are essential for planting. Collecting your own seeds doesn't always preserve the varietal characteristics of the parent plant. Therefore, it's recommended to buy store-bought seeds. During cultivation, ensure proper watering and regular fertilization of the seedlings. Poor care significantly increases the risk of crop loss. Seedlings grow weak and produce less fruit.
Soil preparation
For sowing, use ready-made seedling soil or mix it yourself from the following components:
- 2 parts of turf soil;
- 4 parts humus;
- 2 parts peat;
- 1 part sawdust.
After mixing, the soil is doused with boiling water or baked in the oven to disinfect. To improve the soil's nutritional properties, add 1 tablespoon of superphosphate, 1 teaspoon each of urea and potassium sulfate, and 0.5 cups of wood ash per 10 liters.
Seed preparation
To begin, warm the seeds in an oven at 50°C for 2 hours. If there's a long time before sowing, it's safer to warm them at 30°C for 2-3 days. You can also soak the seeds in water heated to 40°C for 5 minutes. This treatment boosts plant immunity and reduces the risk of disease.
Next, the seeds are treated. To do this, they are placed in a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes. Then, hardening begins. The seeds are spread between two layers of damp cloth and left at room temperature for 16 hours. They are then transferred to the refrigerator for 8 hours. Hardening is repeated for 3-5 days. Two days before planting, the seeds are placed in a plate and filled with boiled water, just barely covering them. The seeds are then dried until they become free-flowing.
Sowing
Eggplant seedlings can be grown in a shared container or in individual small pots. In the former case, the container is filled with prepared soil and leveled thoroughly. Furrows 1.5 cm deep and 5 cm apart are made on the surface. Seeds are placed in these furrows at 3 cm intervals. They are then covered with soil and covered with plastic wrap. When grown in a shared container, seedlings need to be pricked out when the first pair of true leaves has formed.
Caring for seedlings
Until sprouts emerge, the seedling containers are kept at a temperature of 23°C to 25°C, covered with plastic film. The cover is removed periodically to ventilate and moisten the soil. Once sprouts emerge, the plastic film is removed completely. Then, the temperature is reduced to 18°C during the day and 15°C at night. This is necessary to strengthen the root system and prevent stem elongation. In March, daylight hours are short, which can also cause plants to stretch and weaken. To ensure adequate conditions, fluorescent lamps are used.
Water seedlings moderately, avoiding overwatering or drying out the soil. Otherwise, the dangerous disease blackleg develops. Water the soil once a week with warm, settled water. Seedlings require regular fertilization. The first fertilizer application is 10 days after germination. Use "Kristalon" at a rate of 10 g per 5 liters of water. Fertilize again after two weeks. In this case, use 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium salt, diluted in 5 liters of water.
Transplantation to a permanent location
Ready-to-plant seedlings are planted in the greenhouse after May 15th, and in open beds only after the weather has fully warmed up. Ten days before transplanting, the bushes are sprayed with a copper sulfate solution to prevent fungal diseases. At this time, hardening off the seedlings begins. To do this, the seedlings are placed outdoors for a few minutes at first, then gradually increase the time to 3-4 hours.
For eggplants, choose a well-lit area, protected from cold drafts, with loose, fertile soil. The bed is carefully dug, with holes spaced 30-40 cm apart. Plants are planted in two rows, 50-60 cm apart.
In April 2024, favorable days for sowing eggplant seeds for seedlings are selected according to the lunar calendar. These dates take into account the characteristics of the vegetable variety and the regional climate. This ensures that the seedlings grow vigorously, and the plants, after transplanting, develop quickly and produce a bountiful harvest.
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