Growing seedlings requires considerable effort. But good results will allow you to transplant the plants into the ground without any problems. Gardeners often encounter problems with the sprouts becoming too tall or with insufficient stem thickness.
If improperly cared for, the leaves begin to yellow and wilt. Such plants have difficulty adapting to growing in open soil. This ultimately leads to crop loss or, in the case of flowers, a lack of proper ornamental appearance.
The main reasons that are relevant today
Incorrect deadlines
They can disrupt the plant's biological rhythm. If planted too early, the seedlings will begin to stretch prematurely when the weather outside is unfavorable. Growth will continue in a cramped pot with insufficient light and space. This will lead to the problem of stretching, which will be difficult to resolve later. Therefore, plan ahead.
Insufficient lighting
It's important to use artificial lighting properly, as daylight hours are short. If the plant is exposed to higher temperatures, root development is impaired.
During germination, the temperature should be around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This will allow the roots to develop properly. Artificial temperature changes are a good option.
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Water every 5 days. If the soil dries out quickly, water slightly more frequently. If the soil is wet, water less frequently. Large numbers of crops lead to competition between crops.
Overcrowding leads to stretching. It's important to transplant plants into separate containers in a timely manner. This depends on the specific crop, its variety, your climate, and the weather outside.
Incorrect feeding regime
It also negatively impacts root growth. Initially, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied. After 110-12 days, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are recommended. This is the only way to ensure plump seedlings that will easily survive transplanting to either indoors or outdoors.
Peculiarities of transplanting seedlings to a permanent location
Two weeks before the procedure, the soil must be cultivated. It is dug over and the necessary fertilizers are added. A solution of potassium permanganate or tree ash is added to the dug holes.
Before planting, seedlings need to be prepared:
- 14 days before planting, harden off by placing the cups with seedlings on the balcony or outside;
- gradually increase the time they spend outside the greenhouse;
- 2 days before transplanting, stop watering;
- Before replanting, water generously.
The tops of the peppers are pinched off. Eggplants are planted deep into the soil, cutting off the lower leaves. Cabbage and tomatoes are planted in a staggered pattern, 50x50 cm. Tomatoes are planted horizontally and covered with soil up to the top leaves. Alternatively, the tops are cut off by 5 centimeters and rooted in the soil. Cabbage roots are pinched off.
Cucumber seedlings are planted at 30 cm intervals, with row spacings of approximately 80 cm. Cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons have flexible stems, so they are rolled into a ring and covered with soil. Carnations and petunias are planted to the depth of the cotyledon leaves. If the stems become too elongated, the top is cut off. Marigolds are recommended to be planted at a shallow depth.
Warm-loving vegetables (eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers) are planted when daytime temperatures are no lower than 17 degrees Celsius. This temperature range occurs in late May, when nighttime temperatures are above 11 degrees Celsius.
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