Favorable days for planting pepper seedlings in 2024 according to the moon and regions

Gardeners and vegetable growers use the lunar calendar to determine the dates when to sow pepper seeds to obtain seedlings. To ensure the seeds germinate well and the seedlings grow strong and healthy, the time is chosen based on the lunar phases. In 2024, each month has its own specific phases. Climate conditions in specific regions also influence the timing, which should be taken into account, as well as the variety chosen and the growing conditions (outdoor or greenhouse).

Influence of the lunar phases

Seed germination, plant growth, and development depend on the lunar phase of the Earth's moon. Lunar phases are taken into account when planning and executing all planting operations.

There are 4 phases of the moon:

• new moon (the time when the moon is not visible);
• growing (the outlines of the satellite gradually increase);
• full moon (the moon is completely illuminated by the sun and is visible in its entirety in the sky);
• waning, or declining (the visible outlines of the moon are decreasing).

During the waxing moon, the movement of fluids in plants is directed upward from the earth's surface. The above-ground parts (trunks and leaves) of plants and lateral shoots develop actively. All procedures that will promote seedling growth can be carried out.

During the waning moon, sap moves in the opposite direction—from the leaves and trunks to the roots. The root system develops, and the absorption of nutrients from the soil is activated. Two to three days before the full moon are the most favorable for sowing (groundwater is very close to the surface, so seeds absorb moisture well and germinate more easily).

The new moon and full moon are unfavorable periods. No manipulation should be performed on these days. Plants are dormant. Actions aimed at eliminating insect pests and combating diseases are permitted.

Constellations can be divided according to their influence on cultures into:

1. Favorable. Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces.
2. Neutral: Libra, Taurus, Capricorn, and Sagittarius.
3. Unfavorable: Aquarius, Gemini, Virgo, Leo, and Aries.

Exact sowing dates by month

There's a simple rule that experienced gardeners always follow: sow during the waxing moon, but make sure it doesn't fall on the day before or after the New Moon or Full Moon.

Unfavorable days (New Moon, Full Moon + days before and after them):

The most unfavorable:

• January: 10-12, 24-26.
• February: 9-11, 23-25.
• March: 9-11, 24-26.
• April: 7-9, 23-25.
• May: 7-9, 22-24.
• June: 5-7, 21-23.

Planting seedlings in a greenhouse and open ground:

Bad days:

• January: 10-12, 24-26.
• February: 9-11, 23-25.
• March: 9-11, 24-26.
• April: 7-9, 23-25.
• May: 7-9, 22-24.
• June: 5-7, 21-23.
• July: 5-7, 20-22.
• August: 3-5, 18-20.
• September: 2-4, 17-19.
• October: 1-3, 16-18, 31.
• November: 1, 2, 15-17, 30.
• December: 1, 2, 14-16, 30, 31.

All days not specified are considered neutral. You can work on them, but don't expect great results.

Depending on the region

When it comes to peppers, the climate and weather conditions of a particular region must be taken into account. In central Russia and the Northwest, the harvesting period is mid-season, in the South, it's early, and in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East, it's the latest.

When transplanting to a greenhouse, the planting dates can be pushed back by 8-10 days. But again, keep an eye on the weather and forecast for the near future.

Features of cultivation

Growing peppers is not difficult. The main thing is to properly prepare the seeds and soil for sowing and provide proper care for the young plants. When growing the crop in a greenhouse or outdoors, it is important to follow agricultural guidelines.

Preparing soil and seeds

It's best to buy soil at the store. You can buy a universal soil (it's suitable for any crop and contains sufficient nutrients). At home, for peppers, it's recommended to make a mixture of humus, peat, and coarse river sand (in a 2:2:1 ratio) and bake it in the oven (or pour boiling water over it).

You can buy seeds or use those you've collected yourself. Store-bought seeds don't need to be treated; home-grown seeds are recommended to be soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour, then dried. To ensure proper germination, you can soak them in a solution of Kornevin (a growth stimulant) or store them in the freezer.

Care, watering and fertilizing

Until the first sprouts appear, cover the containers with plastic wrap (or glass) and place them in a dark place. Once the seeds sprout (in 2-2.5 weeks), remove the covering and take the containers to a well-lit area.

For further growth and development, seedlings need to be provided with:

• optimal temperature regime (25-27 °C);
• regular watering (moisten the soil as it dries by spraying; let the water settle for 24 hours at room temperature beforehand);
• illumination (seedlings need to be provided with good illumination for 14-16 hours during the day).

Feed the seedlings:

• after germination, at the stage of 3 true leaves (to prepare a solution, dilute 5 ml of potassium humate in 2 liters of water);
• during the flowering period (make a nutrient composition of 0.2 g zinc sulfate, 1 g manganese, 0.2 copper, 1 g iron, 1.7 g boric acid and 10 l).

Fertilize until flowering ends.

Transplantation into the ground

Plants are transplanted into open ground Once the soil and air have warmed up well (to 18°C), frosts will finally subside. To ensure the seedlings quickly adapt to the new conditions and take root, they need to be hardened off before planting. To do this, take the seedling trays outside for 1-2 hours every day for two weeks.

Plant the seedlings in the soil, spacing them 25-30 cm apart. Space the rows 50-60 cm apart. Transplanting is best done in the evening. You can sprinkle a little ash into the planting holes or dip the roots in Kornevin to stimulate root development.

What not to do

The main mistakes whenwhen working with bell peppers become:

• using too strong a solution of potassium permanganate to treat seeds (or exceeding the permissible time for the seeds to remain in the liquid);
• non-compliance with temperature conditions, excessive moisture or dry soil;
• picking (during the procedure, the roots of the seedlings can be damaged; experienced gardeners recommend sowing the seeds immediately in separate cups);
• insufficient amount of fertilizers;
• leaving the first buds (they inhibit further growth of seedlings);
• untimely transfer to open ground (the optimal air temperature at night should be 13 °C);
• planting in a shaded area (lack of light inhibits plant growth)
• irregular watering and improper (excessively deep) loosening of the soil;
• untimely harvesting (fruits should be picked 30-40 days after the ovary has formed).