Growing seedlings from seeds on your own is a rather laborious process that will require the creation of certain conditions for the seeds. It takes a lot of time, but it pays off handsomely: plants planted in open ground in the form of seedlings are much stronger, tighter, easier to take root. This is especially important for those plants whose seeds are very small, because insects can pull them apart.
You will need
- - seeds;
- - containers for planting;
- - soil.
Instruction manual
1
Sow seeds for seedlings only at the time indicated on the package. If you have enough time and space for seedlings, and also have the opportunity to arrange good additional lighting, the seeds can be sown safely a month ahead of schedule.
2
Buy plastic trays with special compartments or plant seedlings in ordinary boxes where there are drainage holes. It is best, of course, to have at your disposal special boxes for growing seedlings, equipped with electric heating.
3
Prepare special soil for sowing seeds - you can buy it or make it yourself. Mix 3 parts of the earth, as much humus, 4 parts of sand. The soil should be sieved properly, bake it in the oven or steamed - this will help destroy the spores of bacteria and fungi. Sterilization should be performed about a month before the planting of seeds is planned. Soil microflora must have time to recover. To make it more convenient to care for the plants, lay the soil in containers so that it does not reach one centimeter to the upper edge. After sowing seeds, sprinkle them with earth.
4
Ensure that the seeds have the right air temperature and good lighting - this is an important factor for their germination. For successful growth, the daylight hours of 15-17 hours are optimal. Set the seedlings near the seedlings and from time to time turn the container to the light in different directions. Keep the temperature at 22-24 degrees Celsius. Keep emerging seedlings at fifteen degrees of heat - lower temperatures slow down both the germination of plants and their growth, but they get stronger.
5
Water and spray seedlings from a watering can or use a spray bottle with a fine filter. Regulate the watering mode so as not to flood the seedlings, but it is also impossible to dry it. Water a little and often, use water that has been left standing or purified from chlorine. Proper care of seeds and subsequent seedlings will help to achieve a good harvest.
note
The most important is growing seedlings in areas where the climate is cold and summer is short. Thus, the period of open vegetation can be significantly reduced.
Useful advice
For those crops whose root system is very fragile, such as zucchini, cucumbers and eggplant, sow each seed separately. To do this, use paper or plastic cups, compost and peat bags, and containers made from pressed flour. After planting, they will gradually decompose in the soil.
