Timing for planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse in the Moscow region

Residents of southern regions use greenhouses for tomato production only during the seedling stage. However, in the northern regions, a harvest is impossible without shelter. The climate is changing, so residents of the Moscow region are increasingly turning to greenhouses for growing tomatoes. When to plant seedlings in them, what should be taken into account, and what recommendations regarding agricultural technology exist, we will consider further.

Timing for planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse in the Moscow region

The main difference between a hothouse and a greenhouse is the lack of artificial heating. Therefore, its protective functions are reduced and consist solely of creating a greenhouse effect. It's impossible to give exact dates for planting seedlings in the Moscow region; they must be determined based on the weather.

By this point, the soil should have warmed up to 15°C. This is crucial. Even if the daytime temperature is 30°C, the temperature at night can drop to 0°C or even lower.

Planting is typically carried out from mid-May to early June, which coincides with the recommended dates for planting in open ground in the southern zone.

The covering material used is also important. A polycarbonate greenhouse warms up faster, so tomato seedlings can be planted in it approximately two weeks earlier than under a standard film.

Greenhouse-grown tomatoes have many advantages:

• the time to harvest is significantly reduced;
• the plants are strong and powerful;
• They don't stretch out like they do when grown indoors, and most importantly, there is no adaptation period.

Preparing the soil and premises

Unlike a hothouse, a greenhouse isn't a permanent structure, so even a beginner can build one themselves. However, sometimes it's easier to buy a ready-made one from a store.

Whichever option you choose, follow these guidelines:

• the width of the greenhouse should not be more than a meter, this will make it more convenient to care for tomatoes;
• The optimal length of a greenhouse is up to 2 meters. Otherwise, the film may be damaged by gusts of wind or by water accumulation after rain.
• The height of the greenhouse should be at least 50-80 cm, but you need to focus on the characteristics of the varieties you are going to grow.

The greenhouse should be placed in the sunniest spot, and it is also advisable to build it right next to the house or any other building to protect it from the wind and make it even warmer.

If you're using garden soil, it must be fertilized. The following mixtures are ideal for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse:

• garden soil, peat and humus in equal parts;
• garden soil, turf, peat in equal parts, half a part of river sand and 50 grams of chalk per bucket of the resulting soil.

Landing scheme and planting methods

Before planting seedlings in a greenhouse, they must be hardened off. Unfortunately, many gardeners overlook this step and then wonder why their plants died. Conditions indoors and outdoors, even under plastic, are very different. And we're not talking about soil or ground temperature, but even the amount of sunlight and the temperature inside the greenhouse.

It's best to plant tomatoes in separate containers. This will protect the root system better. However, if you're planting tomatoes from a shared container in a greenhouse, you'll need to be prepared for an adaptation period that can take more than two weeks.

During this time, plants may be weakened; many may even wilt and fall off. Don't rush to apply growth stimulants and fertilizers. Allow the plant to adapt to the new conditions on its own.

Before planting tomatoes in the greenhouse, be sure to fertilize them. A solution of potassium chloride or wood ash is ideal.

This approach will help identify the healthiest seedlings, and only these can be planted; weak or diseased ones will die. If flowering tomatoes are being transplanted, they should be sprayed with a boric acid solution (one teaspoon per liter of water). This will help prevent blossom drop.

Planting seedlings in a greenhouse follows a similar pattern to open ground. Depending on the tomato variety and growing recommendations, the minimum distance between plants should be 40 cm.

If the plants are planted too densely, they will not have enough light and nutrients from the soil, and it will be much more difficult to care for them.

First, dig holes 20-30 cm deep and water each with a potassium permanganate solution. Sprinkle with ash. Just before planting, pour at least a bucket of water into each hole. Plant the tomatoes up to the root collar.

Watering and fertilizing after planting

Before planting, water the holes thoroughly so as not to disturb the seedlings. Then, add a couple of centimeters of soil every 3-5 days, but do not water.

After two weeks, the first watering should be done. First, loosen the space between the rows and water them with settled water, not directly into the holes.

After three weeks, fertilize. Dissolve one tablespoon of potassium sulfate and half a tablespoon of saltpeter in 10 liters of water. Water at a rate of one liter per plant. Repeat this procedure once a month until fruiting begins.

Next, water as needed, and then loosen the soil.

How to save frozen seedlings

If, despite all your efforts, your seedlings freeze, don't despair; there are proven ways to save them.

You can use store-bought products, such as Epinom, which can revive even nearly dead plants. Biostimulants are also a great help for gardeners. While instructions rarely mention this, for best results, it's best to apply the treatment in the evening and then not water for two days. Citric acid also enhances the effectiveness of these products. A pinch of the prepared solution per bucket will almost double its effectiveness.

But there are simpler methods. Believe it or not, water is enough to "revive" the plants. Of course, it shouldn't be tap water. Rainwater or spring water is best, but well water is also acceptable. Plants should be misted rather than watered, and only before sunrise.

You can prune frost-damaged seedlings. It's a shame, of course, but this really can save frozen tomatoes. Even if you have to remove the stems almost to the root, rest assured. If the root system is healthy, the shoots will start growing almost immediately. Yes, the harvest will be a little delayed, but it's better than no harvest at all.

Getting a great tomato harvest is possible even in challenging climates. Follow these greenhouse growing tips if you live in the Moscow region, and you'll see for yourself how easy it is.