Have you noticed that some gardeners’ tomato seedlings grow strong, stocky, with thick stems, while others’ grow stretched out, become thin, weak, and literally fall over with any movement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then those with weak seedlings complain: the harvest is poor, the tomatoes are sick, there are few ovaries\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I’ll tell you this: it all starts with proper sowing! Not just any old way, not just any old way, but according to science!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve long ago developed a method for sowing tomatoes that ensures my seedlings are always short and vigorous, and the harvest is excellent. My neighbors always ask, “Grandpa Yegor, what are you doing with those tomatoes?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I’m not greedy\u2014I’ll tell you! But first, let’s address the main mistake that causes many gardeners’ seedlings to turn into strings in the spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do seedlings become stretched and weak?
Let’s figure out why tomatoes don’t want to grow strong:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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How to make seedlings stocky and strong?
The secret is in the right technique! I’ve been practicing it for a long time, and now I always get strong bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Seed preparation and timing
Timing is everything! Tomatoes shouldn’t be planted too early. March is the best time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the greenhouse \u2013 the beginning of March.
For open ground \u2013 the end of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeds must be prepared. Simply throwing them in the ground isn’t enough! Want vigorous plants? The seeds must be awakened!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How I do it:
\u2714 I disinfect it. I soak it for 20 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate\u2014this kills infections.
\u2714I harden it. I keep it in the refrigerator for 12 hours, then in a warm place for 12 hours. And soak it for 2-3 days.
\u2714I soak it in a stimulant. You can use ash, aloe juice, or Epin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After such treatment, the seeds germinate evenly and immediately grow strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Sowing wisely so that the seedlings don\u2019t stretch
Now the fun begins! Most people just throw seeds in the ground and wait. But I do it differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714Soil. Loose, fertile soil: garden soil + humus + sand (2:1:1).
\u2714Containers. No deeper than 5 cm! If they’re too deep, the seedlings will grow upwards, not outwards.
\u2714Sowing depth. No more than 0.5 cm and always space them out widely, not in clumps. Give the sprouts space.
\u2714Temperature. After sowing, cover with plastic wrap and keep at +20\u2026+22\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Now, pay attention! As soon as the first shoots appear, remove the plastic wrap and immediately move the seedlings to a bright but cool place (14\u202616\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the key! If you leave the seedlings in a warm place, they will stretch. But if you immediately move them to a cool place, the stems will become thick and strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: A clever trick for stocky seedlings
Here’s the most interesting part! I have a secret method I call “root stimulation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the seedlings develop a second true leaf, I trim their roots!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714I simply gently pinch the root tip when transplanting.
\u2714This encourages the tomato to develop a strong root system.
\u2714Instead of one long root, many lateral roots appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the more powerful the roots, the stronger the bush!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Supplements for strength
To prevent seedlings from stretching, they need to be fed correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714Ten days after germination, apply yeast dressing (1 g yeast + 1 teaspoon sugar per liter of water) .
\u2714Two weeks after picking, apply ash infusion (1 tablespoon ash per liter of water) .
\u2714Before planting, apply phosphorus and potassium (ash or superphosphate) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u26a0Nitrogen is not needed in spring! It will go into the tops, not the roots!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Preparing for landing
Tomatoes need to be hardened off before transplanting. Two weeks before planting, I start placing the seedlings on the balcony:
\u2714first for 15 minutes, then for 30, then for an hour.
\u2714The main thing is to avoid placing them in direct sunlight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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If you don\u2019t harden them off, after planting, tomatoes may become sick and stop growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main secret of strong seedlings
And now for the most important conclusion. Why are my tomatoes always stocky and productive? I don’t rush them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people make mistakes: they sow early, put them in a warm place, water them excessively, give them too much nitrogen\u2026 And then the seedlings turn out sickly and elongated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udeab DO NOT DRIVE THE SEEDLINGS!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714Sow on time.
\u2714Keep cool.
\u2714Trim roots.
\u2714Do not overwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try this method and this summer you’ll have so many tomatoes you’ll have to give to your neighbors!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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