Anyone who grows tomato seedlings dreams of seeing strong plants with lush greenery on their windowsill instead of stunted stems.
But achieving this without knowing the key nuances is almost impossible.
How to create ideal conditions for seedlings and avoid typical mistakes?
The first step is a proper start. Seeds are sown in light soil from mid-March, deepening by 1 cm. Containers are covered with film until shoots appear, maintaining a temperature of +23–25°C.
After the sprouts hatch, remove the film and transfer the seedlings to a cool (+18°C), but light place. Transplant into separate pots when 2-3 true leaves appear, carefully deepening the stem to the cotyledons - this stimulates the growth of additional roots.
Tomatoes are demanding in terms of lighting: 12–14 hours of bright light daily. If there is not enough sun, use phytolamps, placing them 20 cm from the plants.
Water the seedlings only at the roots, avoiding water getting on the leaves. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged - excess moisture provokes fungal diseases.
The temperature regime is strictly observed: during the day +20–22°C, at night +16–18°C. Sudden changes weaken the immunity of plants.
10 days after picking, start fertilizing. Alternate mineral fertilizers with organic matter: for example, an ash solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) and complex preparations with phosphorus.
Once a week, spray the seedlings with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or phytosporin - this will protect against black leg and other infections.
When the stems stretch to 15 cm, supports are installed, tying the plants with soft tape.
Growing tomato seedlings that will delight you with a harvest is no more difficult than learning how to bake pancakes.
The main thing is not to rush, watch the plants and adjust the care in time. After a couple of weeks of careful care, the seedlings will get stronger, and their leaves will acquire a rich emerald hue - a sure sign of health.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya