Pickling seedlings is a transplant from a smaller capacity to a larger one in order to give it space for growth and development. Usually do this after the appearance of several real sheets. Gardeners refer to this process ambiguously: some consider the procedure a stress for plants, others without it do not represent the cultivation of healthy and quality seedlings .
Anyway, in this article we will tell you how to make the picking the least painful and traumatic for the seedlings. And also about the further care of plants.
What does seedlings mean?
The so-called transshipment of a tiny plant into a container is bigger and there is a picking. Do this at the time of 2-3 real leaves, because at an early stage of development, the seedlings are easier to transfer the change of environment.
If to believe the supporters of the pick, this process contributes to the development of a good root system and, accordingly, to the overall strengthening of the plant. In response to criticism addressed to them, they talk about the incorrectness of sowing seeds right into large pots. As we know, at the stage of seed germination and the formation of the first leaves, the seedlings need very little space, where the soil composition and its oxygen saturation are important.
In small cups with drainage holes, water does not stagnate and plants are provided with normal access to oxygen in the soil. While in disproportionate pots seedlings at the initial stage suffers, not having time to master an earthen lump.
Of course, as you grow, seedlings need more and more space, so picking is simply necessary so that the roots are not intertwined and not crowded. Having provided each plant with sufficient area for further development, we give a powerful stimulus for the development of the root system, which is the key to a good and strong plant.
The timing of transplantation varies slightly for different cultures, but on average the pickling of seedlings occurs in March, when the seedlings already have a pair of real leaves.
Seed care after picking
Any sprouts after picking need a lot of light, especially in the phase of formation of the first inflorescences. Of course, you do not need to immediately plant seedlings under the sun, you need to gradually accustom yourself to light. In addition, you need to regularly turn the pots to the source of different sides, so that the seedlings are not stretched in one side.
So, high-quality lighting is the guarantee of healthy and strong seedlings. Without sufficient light, seedlings are stretched, elongated stems are thin and brittle. If this starts to happen, you can try to stop the elongation of the stem, gradually breaking off the lower leaves.
Important and proper watering. In this case, the water should not be cold and settled. Water the seedlings after picking once a week, wetting the entire earth in a glass (pot). Make sure that the soil does not dry out, that is, do not make big breaks in watering.
It is important to know what and how to feed seedlings after picking. During the growing of seedlings, 2 feeding are usually desired: 10 days after picking and 2 weeks after the first feeding. The composition of the fertilizer may be different, but usually the first top dressing is done with urea, superphosphate and potassium sulfate in the proportion of 5:35:15 g per 10 liters of water.
For the second feeding, you can mix 10 g of urea, 60 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfate, diluting in 10 liters of water. If the seedlings are weak and poorly growing, you can spend a third feeding after another 2 weeks.
Gradually growing up seedlings begin to harden. Approximately 2 weeks before landing in the open ground or a greenhouse , in the room with seedlings for the night open the window, and on warm days you can take it out on the street for 2-3 hours. Gradually the time of "walks" increases for the whole day. And with the appearance of 10 real leaves, the seedlings are ready for planting on a permanent growth site.