by Between sowing tomato seeds and planting the grown seedlings in the ground, it is important not to forget about such an important process as picking seedlings. In order not to harm the plants during transplantation, but, on the contrary, to stimulate their growth, it is necessary to follow some rules, which we will tell you about today.
Picking is the transplantation of seedlings from a common container into individual containers. As a rule, this procedure is carried out after the seedlings have 1-2 true leaves, since at an early stage of growth, seedlings tolerate picking better. For tomatoes, this stage occurs approximately 10-14 days after the emergence of shoots.
Remember: it is better to transplant seedlings earlier than later. It is important that tomato seedlings do not outgrow. Tomatoes tolerate transplanting well, so there is no need to worry that their small sprouts will not take root in a new container. On the contrary, tomatoes do not like crowding, so a competent and timely transplant will only benefit them.
How to properly dive tomatoes
1-2 days before the operation, stop watering the tomato seedlings. This is necessary so that the soil is not too heavy, and the seedlings are easily removed from the soil without damaging the roots.
Tomato sprouts are carefully lifted with a teaspoon and transferred together with the soil lump from the common container to a new one with the prepared soil mixture. In this case, a hole is made in the soil in advance of such a depth that the stem of the seedling is completely in the ground.
The soil is added almost to the cotyledon leaves, after which it is compacted and watered with water at room temperature. All healthy and strong seedlings are transplanted in the same way.
The same soil is suitable for transplanted tomatoes as for sowing seeds, but it is advisable to add complex mineral fertilizer at a rate of 1 tbsp per 5 liters of substrate.
Some gardeners also successfully practice another method of transplanting tomatoes. An hour before picking, the seedlings are watered. After this time, the contents of the container are carefully shaken out onto the work table. Using a stick, the plants are separated, after which they are taken by the cotyledon leaves and planted in separate containers. The soil is lightly tamped and watered from a spray bottle.
If several seeds sprout in separate cups, leave only one stronger seedling. In this case, do not pull the second one out of the ground, but carefully cut it with scissors or pinch it off with your fingers just above ground level.
If the remaining seedling has enough space in the container, it can be left alone for now. And the seedlings that are cramped are transferred together with the lump of earth into a more spacious pot.
Some gardeners recommend pinching the central root by a third of its length when picking tomatoes. However, this method has opponents who note that such seedlings are delayed in growth after transplantation. If you follow the opinion of the majority, then the root of tomatoes should be pinched only when planting seedlings in containers more than 8 cm deep.
Caring for tomatoes after picking
In the first 3 days after picking, the air temperature in the room where the seedlings are growing is maintained within the range of 15-18°C at night and 20-23°C during the day. When the seedlings take root (usually after 4-7 days), the temperature is reduced to 18-20°C during the day and to 15-16°C at night.
Approximately 10 days after picking, the seedlings begin to grow faster in root system growth. At this time, the plants need light (preferably natural). Also, in good weather, it is recommended to take them out into the fresh air for 20-30 minutes a day and gradually increase the time spent outside.
In addition, tomato seedlings need additional feeding. They are carried out once every two weeks after moistening the soil. For additional feeding, use complex fertilizers or independently prepare a solution of 10 liters of water, 12 g of potassium sulfate, 35 g of superphosphate and 4 g of urea.
Excessive humidity can lead to the development of black leg and late blight, so plants are watered abundantly, but rarely. By the time of watering, the top layer of soil should be dry.
By the time the seedlings are planted in open ground or a greenhouse, the stems should be 1 cm thick and the plants should be about 30 cm high. Each of them should have 8-9 leaves and one flower cluster.
Timely and correct picking of tomato seedlings promotes better development of plants and increases their yield. However, some gardeners prefer to grow tomato seedlings immediately in separate 0,5 l cups without transplanting into other containers. Do you pick tomatoes?
