Jewelry precision and a confident hand are the key to a correctly executed pick. Even a minor mistake can delay the development of a tomato for 7-15 days. On the one hand, such a period does not cause concern, but, on the other hand, even a few days of delay will not have the best effect on the harvest.
Picking is carried out in April 2017 at the moment when the plant has its first full-fledged leaves.
From a botanical point of view, this happens within one week from the moment the plant is placed in the ground. An important caveat is made regarding timing. In open ground, the first leaves, usually coming in pairs, form within 8-9 days from the moment of sowing. In the greenhouse, the time frame is slightly shorter, which is explained by the special conditions of detention and specific microclimate.
Once the leaves have appeared, the further procedure is as follows:
- Before picking tomatoes, you need to wait another 48 hours from the moment the first leaves appear.
- The minimum required root size for safe operation is at least 15 cm.
- It is not advisable to carry out an operation if the plant has only 1 small root. In this case, even a professional will have a hard time doing everything correctly.
- You should not pick when the root size exceeds the specified value (15 cm). In this case, there is a high risk of harming the plant.
The last point deserves special attention. Even if the tomatoes are not planted very densely on the site, their roots can still grow together. In this case, when picking one plant, you can harm another. If the gardener follows all the recommendations, he will have a healthy bush and a good harvest.
Choosing a favorable day for picking tomatoes in April
First, you need to correctly determine the variety of tomatoes planted in open ground or in a greenhouse. Depending on whether we are talking about an early or late species, it is necessary to select a date.
If we are talking about early varieties, then they are picked in a larger container at the beginning of the month. The optimal period is from April 2 to April 4.
Late varieties peak on the day following the end of the winter cold.
- Find out when the climatic cold ends in April;
- Make sure that within 2 weeks at least from the end of the frosts, they will not recur;
- If the previous point is temporarily impossible to complete, you should abandon the procedure for a while;
- As soon as a favorable weather forecast is received, the operation can begin.
Science will help you choose the right auspicious day here, rather than folk signs. The more a person relies on the data of the meteorological service, the higher the effectiveness of the picking will be.
When can you pick tomatoes in April according to the lunar calendar?
Proponents of the lunar calendar should increasingly take into account favorable days in the context of the phases of the moon. It is necessary to act literally and figuratively at the beginning of the month. The best days for picking are between April 4 and April 7, 2017. At the same time, you should not perceive the specified time period as the ultimate truth.
From a practical point of view, certain adjustments to the given deadlines are allowed depending on the following parameters:
- In the northern regions, according to the lunar calendar, the optimal period for picking is considered to be from April 9 to April 10;
- In temperate climates, this procedure is carried out from April 12 to 13.
Diving in the southern regions, as already mentioned, is best done from April 4 to April 7. The difference in timing is explained by the rate of soil heating. The warmer it is, the greater the chance of doing everything right.
Picking tomato seedlings in April 2017: when not to do it
It is logical to assume that in addition to favorable days, there are also those when it is better not to carry out such manipulations with plants. Supporters of an exclusively scientific approach and those who prefer the lunar calendar have such days. Next April, such days include the 11th and 26th.
The reasons should be sought in the features of this month, which can quite often present surprises:
- Severe cold snaps are possible;
- Cases of return of snow cover have been recorded;
- Heavy rains may occur, causing soil moisture levels to rise significantly.
According to its climatic characteristics, April is one of the most unstable months of the year. Even if there is a favorable forecast from the meteorological service, diving is not carried out on the indicated dates.
Optimal days for picking tomatoes in April
Having made a firm decision that we will pick tomatoes this month, we need to bring together several factors. As mentioned above, the optimal timing depends on the type of seedling. For early tomatoes, the beginning of April would be appropriate, but with adjustments to the climate zone.
It can be difficult for beginners to immediately understand all the nuances, but experienced gardeners have developed recommendations that allow them to independently determine the required time period.
We are talking about the average monthly temperature during April. This indicator can always be found on the website of the state meteorological agency.
Based on its analysis, you can easily determine what the correct time period will be:
- If this indicator does not exceed 5-7 degrees, then this indicates living in the northern region. This means that it is advisable to carry out the picking from April 9 to 10;
- In the case when the temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees, you can safely manipulate the seedlings from April 12 to 13;
- Residents of the southern regions should see at least 14-15 Celsius on the thermometer.
In addition to the temperature factor, attention should be paid to the natural moisture of the soil. The higher this indicator, the more careful picking can be done. In regions where this indicator is too high, it is recommended to pick tomatoes closer to the end of the month. In this case, you can risk the future harvest to a lesser extent. The situation is more complicated when there is not enough moisture in the soil. Regular rationed watering, as well as picking at the beginning of the month, will help normalize the situation.
Picking tomatoes in April 2017 (video)
By following the rules for picking tomatoes, the gardener will enjoy a good harvest at the end of the season. The main thing is to successfully choose varieties suitable for a particular soil and carry out appropriate care.
Picking tomato seedlings is an important stage in the development of the plant. It is necessary for the development of a powerful root system, accelerating the growth and ripening of fruits.
Some gardeners believe that picking does not create stress for transplanted seedlings. Others, on the contrary, talk about the need for picking to improve root growth and accelerate fruiting.
In order for the seedlings to germinate, a lot of land is not required, so small containers for germination are used. Be sure to do this at the bottom of the container holes to remove excess moisture and oxygen access to the roots.
Gradually, the seedlings become larger, the roots develop and occupy more space. In this case, the roots need more nutrients and a larger container size for normal plant development. Otherwise, she will begin to wither.
At this moment, the seedlings are picked into larger containers with holes in the bottom. The root system will continue to develop and become powerful, which affects the health of the entire plant.
Dive concept
Picking - transplanting seedlings into separate larger containers.
If the seedlings were planted immediately separately from each other, then they are picked into a larger container.
How to pick tomato seedlings
To avoid damage to the roots, it is necessary to carefully pick the seedlings. The transplant is carried out along with a lump of earth. This method is also called transshipment, in which the roots remain intact.
The seedlings are removed from their original place of growth and, together with a clod of earth, planted one at a time in separate containers.
Transshipment - a method of diving along with a lump of earth Time and procedure
The best time to transplant tomato seedlings is when the plant begins to develop first two true leaves. The approximate correct time for this is 7-10 days.
You should adhere to this time, because if the transplant is early or late, it will take longer to take root and may be susceptible to diseases.
The first pair of leaves to appear are not true leaves, but are called cotyledon leaves. After these two leaves, real leaves begin to grow.
The process has a number of features that should be followed so as not to harm fragile growing seedlings.
The best time to dive is after the first two upper leaves appear Step by step process
When the first pair of leaves appears, the seedlings are picked.
The process consists of the following steps:
- Preparing seedlings. Seedlings should be watered abundantly several hours before transplanting. This will soften the soil and minimize damage to the root system.
- Preparing soil and containers. The best option is 0.5 liter plastic cups. Pour soil into cups and make 5 cm indentations. Pour water into the hole
- Transplanting into a new container. Carefully remove the seedlings and lower them into the recess in a new cup. It should be lowered to the cotyledon leaves. The soil around the plant is compacted.
After transplantation, plants need to acclimatize to the new location. The glasses are placed in a shaded place for a day; sunlight is not advisable after picking.
Water approximately 1-2 times a week. As soon as the seedlings get stronger, they must be exposed to sunlight.
Traditional way
Method when seeds sown in a common container and later dived into separate containers, called traditional.
With this method, seedlings are separated one by one from the rest growing in one container and transplanted into prepared cups. There is another method in which the seeds are sown immediately in separate containers.
Transplanting sprouts growing in separate containers
Picking when grown in separate containers begins at the same time as with the traditional method. When the first true leaves appear.
Replanting will also require land and a new container of larger volume.
Holes are made at the bottom of the new container, soil is filled in and holes are made. Pre-watered seedlings are removed from the previous containers with a lump of earth and placed in the holes. This method is more labor-intensive, but also effective because plants get used to a new place faster.
Features of transplanting elongated seedlings
Sometimes seedlings can stretch out, there can be many reasons: lack of sunlight, excessive watering, high temperature. Don’t despair, picking seedlings will help fix this.
Picking elongated seedlings occurs in the same way as ordinary ones. You need to be extremely careful with elongated thin seedlings. One awkward movement and the sprout may break.
The stretched out one is buried in the ground to cotyledon leaves. You need to carefully lower them into the holes and cover them with soil, trying not to damage the thin trunk of the seedling.
The further plan of action is the same as for regular picking: place the container with the seedlings in the shade, water as needed, and after the seedlings have taken root, put them in a sunny place.
Avoid direct sunlight on the seedlings, as they may get burned.
Post-care
After picking, the plants need to be fed. Used as fertilizer urea, superphosphate. Top dressing is applied 10-14 days after picking and again 2-3 weeks later.
Be sure to water the plant after fertilizing, otherwise the roots may get burned. After watering, the soil is loosened, which helps saturate the root system with oxygen and stimulates active and healthy growth of the plant.
Water the seedlings approximately 2 times per week, but be sure to inspect the soil. If it is wet, you should stop watering, otherwise you can flood the tomatoes. The roots will begin to rot and the growth process will stop, the plant will look lethargic, and the leaves will turn yellow.
Dangers
Picking is an important process; if it is carried out incorrectly or untimely, you may encounter a number of problems.
For example, if the root of a seedling is severely damaged during transplantation, this will provoke a stop in development for a whole week, accordingly, the harvest will ripen later.
If you start picking too early, the immature weak shoots can be damaged during transplantation. Picking too late also slows down the process of acclimatization of the seedling.
To determine the optimal time, you can count 10-14 days from the beginning of germination.
Typically, the procedure for picking seedlings occurs in April, although the time depends on the timing of sowing the seeds and the climate zone.
Thus, the pick is an important stage in the development tomato seedlings. If you make mistakes during transplantation, you can provoke a slowdown in the development of seedlings or, if handled carelessly, damage the roots or the not yet strong trunk, which will lead to the death of the plant.
By following the steps described above, you will be able to avoid mistakes, the seedlings will grow strong and the root system will be powerful.
In February - March, experienced gardeners strive not to miss the deadlines for planting seeds for seedlings: strong, healthy seedlings are the key to a bountiful harvest! In the middle zone, tomatoes, like peppers and eggplants, are best grown in seedlings due to the climate. And picking is sometimes simply necessary for the development of plants.
The picking procedure as a stimulator of seedling development
There are different opinions regarding the picking procedure as such: some consider it an obligatory stage of growing seedlings, others prefer to do without it. Picking itself is the transplantation of young tomato seedlings into larger separate containers for:
- slowing down plant growth if the seedlings begin to stretch;
- improving the development of the root system and, accordingly, the plant itself in the future.
The growth slowdown occurs due to injury to the roots, which occurs with any transplantation; this is a great stress for the seedling. In addition, some gardeners specifically pinch the root of a seedling by 1/3 when picking for this very purpose, expecting to get vigorous root growth later.
How the root is pinched when diving
Thus, by the time the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place, the result should be strong, healthy, not elongated tomato plants, which will quickly begin to grow further.
Terms and conditions for picking
For tender tomato bushes, picking is akin to surgery. After this, they “sick” for some time and come to their senses. For different varieties of tomatoes, the procedure is carried out once or twice during the period of seedling growth. Once - for low- and medium-growing varieties, twice - for tall-growing varieties. The seedlings are transplanted a second time when the previous container becomes too tight for the roots.
It makes sense to start replanting when the plant already has two true leaves (not to be confused with the cotyledon leaves, which are the very first to appear when seeds germinate). This is approximately the 10th day after germination, but it is possible to carry out the procedure 2 days earlier or later.
We begin the transplant
For a successful pick, you should prepare in advance:
- individual cups of at least 8–10 cm in diameter, with a hole in the bottom for better release of excess water when watering;
- a small spatula or stick for easy removal of seedlings;
- priming.
The young seedling is planted together with a clod of earth in order to damage the root system as little as possible. It must be watered in advance so that the soil is moist during replanting.
We pour earth into a new container to about a third of its height, carefully remove the plant along with a lump of earth with a spatula from the cramped container and lower it into the desired one. Add the required amount of soil. The seedling must be buried down to the cotyledon leaves. We carefully compact the soil around the stem, water it and place it where there is light and no direct sunlight until the seedlings take root. Afterwards you can put it in a warm sunny place.
We deepen each bush to the cotyledon leaves.
In the future, watering should be done as the soil dries out, so as not to cause harm.
Checking the lunar calendar 2018
Many gardeners and gardeners are guided by the lunar calendar for any manipulation with plants: planting seeds, planting seedlings, watering and fertilizing, even checking weeding with it! I must admit, this has its own meaning. For example, what does the lunar calendar recommend regarding picking tomato seedlings in March 2018?
It is fair to note that before seedlings are planted, they must be grown. For each region of our country, the timing of both seed planting and, accordingly, picking will differ depending on the climate. For example, in the Krasnodar Territory, both sowing seeds and planting in open ground or a greenhouse can be done 2–3 weeks earlier than in the Moscow region, where night frosts can return in May, and 2–3 weeks later in more northern regions. areas.
According to the calendar for 2018, favorable days for diving in March: from the 5th to the 7th inclusive, the 15th, 20th, 21st, 24th and 25th. Thus, you can calculate the time of planting tomatoes so that by the right time the seedlings already have 2 true leaves. For areas located to the north, where the landing took place later, it is advisable to carry out the dive as early as April. The best days for this are April 16–18 and April 24–27.
Video: picking up tomato seedlings in the phase of 1–2 true leaves
When there is an intention to take an action, it makes sense to collect as much information as possible about how to do it correctly and what the consequences will be. It's the same with picking. With the right approach to its implementation, accuracy and respect for plants, such a procedure should have a positive result both in the present and in the future. And it would be useful to look at the lunar calendar.
Pepper seeds tend to take a long time to germinate; you have to wait at least 10 days for the first shoots. Therefore it is recommended plant peppers for seedlings earlier than tomatoes, and it is worth doing this already in February 2017.
Planting pepper seedlings in February 2017
It should be said right away that sowing can begin as early as February. The most important thing is that it is kept warm and irrigated regularly. Only under such conditions will the sprouts not be long in coming and will be strong and plump. The most favorable days for February 2017 will be:
- The 14th of February– a favorable lunar phase for sweet peppers, so you can sow its seeds without any fear;
- February 16– the optimal date for planting both bitter and sweet peppers for future seedlings;
- February 23- a great day for any gardener who intends to sow sweet peppers and get the maximum harvest from them in a couple of months.
The period from February 17 to February 22, 2017 is the most unfavorable for such a crop, since the waning moon entails low yields and wasted human labor. Therefore, it is better to wait out this short-term period and wait for a more favorable moment.
Planting pepper seedlings in March 2017
Every person who grows vegetables should take into account the fact that it is best to sow pepper seedlings in 2017 in March. This is the most optimal and favorable period for the sprouts to grow and get stronger, and for the soil in the garden to warm up well enough. Favorable numbers for planting pepper seeds in March 2017 are as follows:
- from 3 to 14 March(with the exception of 6th numbers) – an excellent period for new beginnings;
- 20th of March– a good, favorable day to sow seeds of sweet and bitter peppers;
- end of the month (30-31st)– the ideal period for planting plants and seeds according to the lunar calendar.
Planting pepper seedlings in April 2017
April is mid-spring, the period when garden life begins to boil. That is why all gardeners are advised to hurry up if they want to get good, strong seedlings on their own, rather than buying them at a high price on the market. The lunar calendar for April 2017 will be like this:
- 9-12 numbers– the rising moon will have a beneficial effect on the future harvest;
- March 24-25– the best option for planting hot peppers;
- 30th of March- an excellent day to sow crops and take healthy and strong seedlings in the future, which will bear a considerable amount of fruit.
The lunar phase is an ideal assistant for every person, because thanks to such simple tricks, every gardener can become successful and receive a lot of fruits during the summer, have a large harvest with minimal effort and money.
How to grow pepper seedlings,
when to dive in 2017
After sowing, cover the trays with plastic wrap and place them in a warm place, away from a cold windowsill. Check occasionally to see if the soil is dry and if sprouts have appeared. When the first shoots appear, immediately move the trays to a sunny place and remove the film.
When 2-4 true leaves appear, the peppers can be dive. This will happen no earlier than after 2 weeks after emergence, so plan to plant pepper seedlings in March 2017.
Best days to pick peppers in 2017:
In March - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23
In April pepper seedlings should already be developing in their own separate pots, but here are the most favorable April days for pepper picks:
In April - 3-4, 12-14, 18-19.
When in 2017 pepper seedlings
can be planted in the ground
In closed ground(greenhouse or under film) peppers can be planted already in May. 1st of May, and May 7 and 8, 2017 the most courageous gardeners can plant peppers and protect them well from a possible cold snap. Then on May 10 there will be a full moon and it is better not to carry out any actions with seedlings. The following good days for planting pepper seedlings in May 2017 are: May 14-16 and 19-23(on the waning moon in the signs of Capricorn, Pisces and Aries). The new moon is on May 25th and it’s worth waiting a few days. Then you can plant the seedlings May 28 and 29(moon in Cancer) and June 5-7(moon in Scorpio).
The best days for planting pepper seedlings in beds:
In May 2017 - 1, 7, 8, 14-16, 19-23, 28-29,
In June 2017 - 5-7.
Dear reader!
Since you have come here, it means you are interested in issues related to growing seedlings.
Here you will find a whole block of publications on this topic.
These are articles based on original technology from a Doctor of Biological Sciences T. Yu. Ugarova, and a detailed description of mistakes when growing seedlings of peppers and eggplants from T. A. Oktyabrskaya, where she simply and clearly reveals the secrets of mastery based on her many years of experience, and recommendations from a famous experienced gardener Sergei Dyakov, which offers us personal secrets, methods and techniques for growing strong and healthy seedlings to obtain rich harvests.
Our articles describe in detail how to grow seedlings of vegetables and some other crops. Tables are given for the timing of sowing vegetable crops, fertilizing and planting seedlings.
We hope that our materials can help you.
I wish you strong seedlings and rich harvests, dear friends and colleagues!
Sincerely yours, Uncle Fedor.
