You watered your seedlings in the morning, and by evening they have already drooped? Perhaps you pour water, not suspecting that the roots are suffocating without oxygen.
Seedlings do not tolerate "swamps" - their roots are thin as hair, and from excess moisture they begin to rot within a day. We will tell you how to avoid this.
Summer resident's mistakes
The rule is simple: water only when the top layer of soil dries out, and always use warm, settled water.
But the main mistake is spraying the leaves in the sun. Drops of water act as lenses, leaving burns.
Did you know that yogurt cups are silent seedling killers?
Their transparent walls let in light, which destroys the root system. Wrap the containers in foil or transplant the seedlings into opaque pots.
And never put seedlings on a cold windowsill! Put trays with foam underneath - it will keep the heat.
These are not all the dangers. Many gardeners ignore the quality of water.
Tap water contains chlorine and salts that accumulate in the soil, blocking the absorption of nutrients.
Pass it through a filter or let it sit for 2-3 days.
How to save seedlings
For emergency resuscitation of flooded plants, sprinkle the soil with crushed charcoal - it will absorb excess moisture and stop rotting.
If the leaves turn yellow, add lemon juice to the water (3 drops per liter) - this will neutralize the alkali.
And for capricious crops, such as peppers, use melt water. Freeze it in a bottle and then melt it - such water "revitalizes" the plant cells.
And don't forget about drainage! The holes in the cups often get clogged, turning the soil into a swamp. Clean them with a needle once a week.
As a preventative measure, add perlite or vermiculite to the soil – they improve aeration.
The most insidious enemy is fungi. White coating on the soil (mold) appears due to high humidity and lack of light. Sprinkle the soil with cinnamon - it is a natural antiseptic.
And if the mold has already taken hold, carefully remove the top layer of soil and replace it with a mixture of sand and ash.
And remember: seedlings love fresh air. Ventilate the room daily, but avoid drafts - they are destructive for tender sprouts.
Author: Igor Zur