In the midst of the first stage of sowing suffering, when summer residents plant seeds of garden crops and cherish hope for a rich harvest. Listen to our advice - and your neighbors will be envious of your tomato harvest.
Maintain optimum temperature
An important factor during the entire period of growing tomato seedlings is the ambient temperature. For the first stage, from the moment of sowing to the first shoots, maintain 26-28 degrees. As soon as the shoots appear, the temperature must be reduced. The optimum will be 17-20 degrees, over time, lower it to 16 ° C. Under such conditions, seedlings will grow strong, squat and hardened.
Overheating of seedlings, on the contrary, will lead to rapid growth. The stems quickly stretch, not having time to gain the proper strength.
Observe the light mode
In February and March, the sun is not a frequent guest on our windowsills. If the cloudy weather dragged on, the sprouts inexorably creep up, trying to get more light. As a result, they become long and frail, after which the entire seedlings immediately fall.
During this period, it is very important to organize the illumination of plants: the daylight hours for tomatoes should be 16 hours. You can use both fluorescent lamps and special phytolamps, a lamp "flora". Turn them on in the morning and evening when the sun sets. On cloudy days, leave the backlight on for the whole day. The first 5-6 days after the emergence of seedlings, it is recommended to re-illuminate around the clock.
As the seedlings grow, make sure that the sprouts are not crowded. If the greenbacks have grown up and are touching each other with their leaves - move the landing containers away so that the shoots do not obscure themselves, otherwise they will not be enough sunlight, which will lead to stretching. Sprouts that are planted in a common container, when thickening the crops need to be dived into more spacious pots.
Avoid waterlogging
Of course, tomatoes "like a swamp", but only when planting in open ground. In seedlings do not overmoisten the soil. Any stagnation of water is fraught with rotting of the roots. Overflow creates favorable conditions for the appearance of a black leg - then there is a risk of losing all seedlings.
Water the substrate when the top coat dries well. Water should be settled at room temperature.
If you used fertile soil for sowing, then spend the first water-soluble fertilizing a week before planting tomatoes in open ground.
Harden
If you grow seedlings in a city apartment, and the air temperature is mostly above 21 degrees - 2 weeks before transplanting, begin hardening of plants. To do this, take them to a glazed balcony, loggia or terrace, where the temperature will be 16-17 degrees.
Start with 1-2 hours a day, gradually increasing the time spent seedlings in cool. Then leave it all night, and in the morning return to the windowsill. 5 days before disembarkation, transfer it to the balcony completely. You will notice how your sprouts grow stronger - the growth rate will decrease, the root will strengthen, the stem will become thick. The hardening procedure perfectly strengthens the immunity of seedlings, and this will help to protect it from various infections and return frosts after planting.
Massage the plants
Another secret that will strengthen the planting material is stroking. You probably noticed that as soon as you touch the tomato sprouts, the characteristic tomato aroma spreads right there.
It turns out that with any tactile contact the plant releases substances that strengthen it, causing it to develop faster. Therefore, take the habit of daily "ironing" future tomatoes. Run a hand through the tops of seedlings, first in one, then in the other direction for 2-3 minutes daily.
Now you know some secrets that will help grow healthy tomato seedlings. Such simple actions will very soon turn young shoots into strong bushes that will please a plentiful harvest.
