When and how to sow pepper seedlings in February 2024 – step-by-step instructions

Sowing pepper seedlings yourself takes into account the lunar calendar, weather conditions, the physical and chemical composition of the soil, the characteristics of the chosen variety, and the growing method (greenhouse or open ground). February 2024 is no exception. The crop does not pass on hereditary material to future generations, so planting material should be purchased and, in addition, the manufacturer's recommendations, which are located on the packaging, should be followed.

Phases of the Moon

The celestial body begins the second month of the year with a waning phase. From February 1st to 9th, the energy affects the lower part of the plant. This isn't ideal for peppers, but root vegetables are a different matter. Planting should be avoided during the full moon and new moon, which corresponds to the 10th and 24th. From February 11th to 23rd, the moon is waxing. This is the most favorable time for planting. And from the 25th to the 29th, it wanes again.

The lunar calendar isn't taken as the definitive authority. Dates are ultimately chosen based on soil readiness and temperature conditions. The time required for preventative seed treatment is also a factor. If seed preparation is delayed, don't rush it. A delay of 2-3 days isn't critical. The main thing is to follow the rules, and the results will definitely be worth it.

Favorable days

Favorable days for peppers are a relative term. The situation depends on weather conditions, the physical and chemical composition of the soil, and the position of the celestial body. Astronomers and botanists urge a search for a "golden mean."

Simply put, don't rely solely on astrology or solely on botany. The procedure is as follows:

• study the requirements indicated on the seed packaging;
• prepare seed material;
• choose a favorable planting day;
• prepare the container;
• check the chemical composition of the soil and the level of nutrients.

Once preparations are complete, the list of favorable days is checked. Minor adjustments are made based on the region's climate.

According to the lunar calendar

Peppers do not tolerate transplanting, picking, or other agricultural manipulations well. They are planted in the second month of the year on the following dates: from February 11th to 23rd, with the 11th and 23rd being best avoided, leaving only the 12th to 22nd (as the 11th and 23rd are too close to the New Moon and Full Moon). The New Moon and Full Moon themselves—February 10th and 24th, respectively—are unfavorable. All other days can safely be considered neutral.

We're talking about the period from the 1st to the 9th (but again, it's best to skip the 9th) and from the 25th to the 29th (likewise, skip the 25th if possible). Unless there are other restrictions due to the specifics of a particular region, then work according to the standard schedule. The final nuance is the time period. Even the positive influence of the moon is not uniform throughout the day. February is one of those months when work begins between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Taking into account the growing region

There are no universal dates here. Frosts may be delayed or even late. Planting should begin on a day preceded by at least 3-4 days of warm weather.

Since there are only 11 “good” days—from the 12th to the 22nd—the types and varieties of peppers simply change for different regions.

The difficulty of planting this capricious vegetable in the Urals and Siberia lies in the variable weather. Nature often delivers climatic surprises.

Depending on the variety

The planting time is determined based on the characteristics of the variety and the region. The earlier the cold weather arrives, the earlier the harvest can be. Manufacturers indicate the minimum required number of days on the packaging. They also add 4-8 so-called "safety" days needed for the vegetable to fully ripen. A list of favorable dates varies by variety.

These dates are not adjusted upward or downward. Those who fail to adhere to the minimum required number of growing days risk their future harvest. The only exception is when frosts persist in the region for an extended period.

Forbidden days

It's simple. The forbidden days are the New Moon (February 10) and the Full Moon (February 24). It's also best to avoid the dates before and after the New Moon and Full Moon.

As for zodiac signs, they're not particularly relevant for seeding. At least, that's what I (the author of the website "growwise-en.techinfus.com") concluded after analyzing numerous sources.

Features of the process itself

Work begins with cleaning the seeding dish. It is washed in a saturated solution of potassium permanganate. The next step is filling it with nutrient-rich soil. This is purchased at the store. First, read the information on the packaging.

1. The first option is plastic garden cups, known as multi-cassettes. They can be optionally equipped with a lid to create a greenhouse effect.
2. The second option is to use a peat pot. The seeds are placed in the pot, and then the peat container is placed in the soil. As it decomposes, it supplies the peppers with nutrients.
3. The third option is to use peat blocks. Plastic food cups complete the list of acceptable options.

Preparing soil and seeds

Some people talk about buying nutrient-rich soil, while others prepare it themselves. The latter approach poses problems. Peppers are a sensitive, if not capricious, vegetable. Even the slightest deviation in the soil's physical and chemical parameters from the recommended values ​​can ruin a successful harvest.

When purchasing a nutrient solution at the store, first read the label. It will indicate what kind of pre-treatment the soil has undergone. The next step is purchasing seeds. Precision is crucial. Select the seed material taking into account the factors listed above. The next step is:

• the mixture is placed in a container so that the top edge is 2-3 cm above ground level;
• the soil layer is compacted;
• the seed material is soaked in a saturated saline solution - the seeds that have sunk to the bottom are suitable for further work;
• The seed material is dipped into a medium-saturated solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

The water treatment lasts for 1 hour. This is sufficient to destroy pathogenic flora on the surface.

Sowing and care

Prepared seeds Place the seeds into containers using sterile tweezers—no more than two per container. Plant the seeds about 3 cm deep; after placement, cover with soil. The vegetable does not like excessive watering. Drip irrigation is used.

Care is taken to ensure that the water does not wash away the seeds. A label indicating the planting date is placed next to each container. The seedlings are placed in a room where the temperature is between 15°C and 17°C.

Read also

How to transplant pepper seedlings at home
Pricking out seedlings is the process of dividing the root portions of seedlings so they can be transplanted into individual holes for further growth and development. Pricking out is also done during transplantation…

 

Water once every 5-7 days during the first month of life. Use settled, room-temperature water. Make sure that no liquid accumulates in the tray.

Pricking out remains a controversial procedure. Replanting peppers at any age is not recommended. Even a professional rarely avoids mistakes. Minimize the need for this traumatic procedure for the vegetable crop as follows.

Initially, choose a spacious container for planting. It's easier to add more soil than to change the location of sprouted seeds later.

Timing of planting in the ground

The strengthened seedlings are transplanted As soon as the air temperature rises to 18-20°C, check the weather forecast. Make sure there is no risk of sudden frost. Seven days before the scheduled transplant, take the seedlings out to the balcony.

The walk lasts 10 minutes. This time period is sufficient for acclimatization. In the Moscow region, the northwest, and the center, the transplant takes place in the second and third ten days of May.

The prepared hole is 15 cm deep. The distance between rows is 20 cm, and between holes, 25-30 cm. Immediately after transplanting, the seedlings are lightly watered. During the first two weeks of life in the new location, ensure that the vegetables are not exposed to drafts.

Common mistakes gardeners make

Gardeners' mistakes are divided into 3 categories.

1. The first category includes the wrong choice of seed and poor soil quality. They don't take the manufacturer's word for it. If the packaging indicates that pre-treatment has been performed, that's no reason not to perform another treatment.
2. The second category of errors is failure to provide sufficient light, water, and fertilizer. This problem will manifest itself in slower growth and weakened stems. If prompt action is not taken, the harvest will be lost.
3. The third category of problems is less obvious to beginners. Planting too densely, while it saves space in the garden, deprives the seedlings of essential nutrients.

Early planting gives the crop time to fully develop. The longer the plants remain in comfortable conditions, the higher the yield. At the same time, the fruiting period increases.

The date is chosen based on the moon phase, region, weather, and variety characteristics. Peppers are considered a delicate vegetable, so moisture and nutrient levels in the soil are monitored throughout their development.