Every year in February, thousands of summer residents make the same mistakes, and then wonder why their neighbors collect buckets of fruit, while they have a handful of wrinkled fruit.
Are you sure that your actions do not ruin the future harvest?
For example, did you know that early sowing of peppers and eggplants can lead to the opposite effect?
These crops do not tolerate haste: if you sow them in February without additional lighting, the sprouts will stretch out, become weak and may die after transplantation.
What about your seeds? Many people store them in the kitchen, where temperature and humidity changes reduce germination to zero. The ideal place is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or a dry cellar.
Another mistake is ignoring expiration dates. Pumpkin seeds lose their potency after 6-7 years, and parsley seeds - after 2-3 years.
Before sowing, check their germination: wrap several pieces in damp gauze and leave them in a warm place. If less than half of them sprout in a week, it’s time to buy new ones.
But even quality seeds won't save you if you use the wrong soil. Garden soil that hasn't been treated for pests is a breeding ground for diseases.
Freeze it on the balcony or heat it in the oven before using. And never take soil from greenhouses - nematodes and fungi often live there.
The most insidious mistake of February is over-concern. "The more fertilizer, the better" is a myth!
Overfed seedlings become fat: leaves grow, but roots remain weak. Use fertilizers only after two true leaves appear and in half the dose.
And don’t forget about picking: if you don’t plant the seedlings in time, they will start competing for light and nutrition.
Have you checked your gardening tools yet? Rusty pruning shears, leaky watering cans and broken rakes can ruin all your plans.
Sharpen blades, replace cracked handles, and buy labels to label varieties—this will save time in the spring. And don’t put off repairing your greenhouse: February winds often tear the film and break the frames.
Finally, do not give in to excitement and do not sow everything in a row. Make a plan of the beds taking into account crop rotation: tomatoes should not grow in the same place two years in a row, and cucumbers are best planted after onions or garlic.
And remember: February is not a time for rushing, but for thoughtful actions.
Author: Igor Zur