How to grow tomato seedlings. Video
Growing tomatoes is easy. But how many kilograms you collect from one bush and when you eat the first reddened tomato is another question. Only properly grown, strong stocky seedlings will provide an early and large harvest.
How to grow tomato seedlings
What varieties of tomatoes should you pay attention to?
The seeds of a huge number of varieties of tomatoes can be seen on the shelves, but it is not so easy to understand all this variety. Do not give in to the first impression of the images of large fruits on seed bags and colorful names. In most cases, these varieties do not exist in nature either, and the effort spent on growing tomatoes will be in vain. It is better to choose and plant seeds of proven varieties and hybrids, such as: – “Intuition”; – “Budenovka”; – “De Barao”; – “Talalikhin”; – “Danko”; – “Pink Honey”; – “Honey Spas”; – “Buyan”; – “Rocket”, etc.
Also pay attention to how tall the tomatoes will be. There is a description of the variety on the package. These can be determinant (undersized) or interdeterminant (tall) varieties. For open ground, it is better to buy seeds of early low-growing varieties, for a heated greenhouse, accordingly, it is better to plant seeds of varieties with unlimited growth.
The best tomato seedlings are considered fifty days old. Therefore, 45-50 days before planting it in a greenhouse or in open ground, sow seeds in seedling boxes filled with nutrient soil. You can buy ready-made soil for tomatoes at the store.
Before sowing, dress the tomato seeds in a dark red potassium permanganate solution for 1-2 minutes. After this treatment, they will turn dark.
Sow seeds in rows 5 cm apart, 1 cm deep. Water the crops, cover the seedling boxes with glass and place in a warm place. After 4–6 days, sprouts will appear, remove the glass and move the boxes to a bright place. Maintain a temperature of 12-15 degrees during the day and 8-10 degrees at night for 1-2 weeks. During this time, the vernalization period will pass, and the tomato yield will be much higher. Then increase the temperature during the day to 18–20 ° С, at night – 3-4 degrees lower.
When the seedlings are two weeks old, dive. To do this, plant one plant in each peat pot with nutrient soil. The tip of the root must be pinched so that a developed root system is formed in the future, which will provide good nutrition to the entire plant. After picking, place the peat pots in a cool place and shade. After 2–3 days, transfer to a windowsill and continue growing at home as normal.
Carry out two dressings with diluted mullein (1 to 8) or ready-made complex fertilizers. Do the first feeding at two weeks of age, the second after the formation of 2-3 true leaves.
Make sure that the seedlings do not stretch, this can be from abundant watering, so water as the earthy coma dries, but in moderation. Do not overheat the seedlings on the windowsills: in spring, the sun’s rays passing through the double-glazed windows can cause serious burns.
Before planting in open ground, it is advisable to harden the seedlings, taking them out to the balcony or terrace, first for the day, and then for the night.
If you take care of the seedlings correctly, then you will already be planting strong plants in the greenhouse, having 5-7 well-developed leaves and even brushes with buds.
Read on: how to grow tomatoes on the balcony