While some gardeners guess with the lunar calendar, others know for sure: the secret of the harvest is in the mathematics of growth.
Just 60 days separate a fragile sprout from an invulnerable bush ready for planting. But these numbers vary depending on latitude.
In the south, the first seeds of early varieties fall into the soil in March. Mid-season tomatoes start growing at the end of February, and late ones - already in January.
The sun and warm nights allow sowing to be extended over a month.
In the central regions, the schedule shifts: early varieties are sown at the end of March, mid-season varieties in the middle of the month, and late varieties at the turn of February and March.
The middle zone dictates strict rules. Early tomatoes begin their journey at the end of March, mid-season ones - in the first days of March, late ones - in the second half of February.
The North requires patience: early varieties start growing in April, mid-season varieties at the end of March, and late varieties closer to the middle of the month.
The age of seedlings at transplantation is a key parameter.
Plants need 45-60 days from germination to form strong roots and stems. Overgrown seedlings adapt worse, and undergrown ones lag behind in development.
For an accurate calculation, subtract 7 weeks from the date of planting in the ground. For example, if frosts in the region recede by May 10, the seeds are sown on March 20.
Tomatoes love "stress". Picking and transplanting stimulate the growth of lateral roots.
But it is important not to miss the moment: seedlings with 2-3 true leaves tolerate the move more easily.
After 60 days in pots, the plants begin to wither from lack of light and space.
Observing the deadlines turns seedlings into invulnerable fighters, which even in a cool summer will produce a harvest that will make neighbors envious.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya