All dressings for tomato seedlings: types of fertilizers, when and what is better to feed. Feeding and watering tomato seedlings at home How to fertilize tomato seedlings at home

Not all gardeners believe that top dressing is important for tomato seedlings at all stages of bush development. But experts say that in order to get a good harvest, it is necessary to provide plants with good nutrition at the initial stage of growth and development. This procedure will help the seedlings develop immunity and get stronger until transplanted into open ground.

Many gardeners are of the opinion that if weeds can grow well without top dressing, then tomato seedlings also do not need fertilizers. But do not forget that the crops grown in our garden are already the fruits of selection, which are distinguished by the high quality of the fruits. But in return, they need additional care and nutrition, as they are not adapted to be content with the little that is in the soil.

The use of fertilizers allows you to initially strengthen the biological forces of the plant itself, and subsequently help to fully develop, bloom and bear fruit. Nitrogen and potassium are the main nutrients, and phosphorus is responsible for metabolic processes, that is, it helps to deliver the necessary trace elements to those parts where they are required. Therefore, these 3 main components are the most important, but it is necessary to understand when and in what quantity they should be used.

How to know when it's needed

There are a number of signs by which it is possible to determine which microelement is lacking in tomato seedlings.

Important! It should be understood that a lack of nutrition, as well as excessive fertilization at the initial stage of development, can significantly weaken the immunity of plants, so everything should be in moderation.

Nitrogen. The lack of this element is expressed by yellowing of the lower leaves, as the plant takes the necessary trace elements from them for the development of more promising upper ones. In addition, the lack of nitrogen is expressed in the slow growth of tomato seedlings. However, these signs should not be confused with overflow and cool content, since yellowing of the foliage in these cases is observed not only below, but in all parts.

Phosphorus. The lack of phosphorus is expressed in a purple hue of the reverse side of the leaf blades. If this does not affect the full growth of tomato seedlings, then decisive steps should not be taken until planting in a permanent place in open ground.

Potassium. The lack of this trace element has a depressing effect on the development of the root system of tomato seedlings, therefore, by the time of transplantation to a permanent place, the seedlings do not have time to build it up in full. This negatively affects the further growth of tomatoes.

Iron. This element plays an important role at the initial stage of development, since its deficiency affects the formation of seedling immunity in the future. Iron deficiency is manifested in a light shade of leaf plates, on which dark green veins become clearly visible. Often this happens with round-the-clock lighting, since it is at night that the plant is able to fully absorb nutrition.

Note! Daylight hours when growing tomato seedlings should not exceed 10-12 hours, round-the-clock lighting is allowed only 3-4 days after germination.

Calcium. This element contributes to the formation of a strong skeleton of the plant. Its lack leads to the fact that the stem becomes thin and gradually stretches upwards.

When certain signs appear, you should not focus solely on the element that is missing. It is enough to carry out a comprehensive feeding of tomato seedlings, but so that this component is in sufficient volume in the composition of the fertilizer.

Video: how to feed tomato seedlings

Feeding times

With the correct application of fertilizers, it is necessary to strictly observe the terms of their application. Initially, the main requirement is to plant seeds in a complete and nutritious soil, which will enable young sprouts to develop fully.

• first- after the appearance of the first leaves;
• second- 14 days after picking seedlings;
• third- 10-14 weeks after the previous one;
• fourth- 3-4 days before transplanting into open ground.

Features of feeding before and after picking

Picking tomato seedlings is a strong stress for plants, but it is very important for the full growth of seedlings. Therefore, top dressing during this period should be carried out taking into account the characteristics of the culture and observing the terms of their application.

Fertilizing 10 days before picking will greatly enhance their development and help prepare for the upcoming stress. The higher the immunity of seedlings, the less it will hurt after transplantation.

Carrying out top dressing 2 weeks after picking will enable the seedlings to regain strength and begin the growth of both the aerial part and the root system.

Note! Ignoring the timing of feeding before and after picking leads to the oppression of still fragile seedlings.

Seedling feeding scheme

Top dressing of tomato seedlings should be carried out on a moist substrate, which will prevent the appearance of burns on the roots of plants.

• At the first stage growth, seedlings especially need nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is necessary to select fertilizer taking into account this feature. It is best to carry out root dressing with mineral preparations during this period, avoiding getting the product on the leaves.
• At the second stage, if the seedlings develop normally, then use the same fertilizer as for the first time. In the case of stretching sprouts, nitrogen must be excluded for a while and the length of daylight hours increased, as well as the temperature of the content should be adjusted to about 18 degrees.
• At the third stage apply foliar feeding of seedlings with organic preparations. This will help the seedlings recover and grow stronger after picking, as well as increase the green mass.
• Fourth stage top dressing can be carried out both by root and foliar methods. In the case of the latter, the procedure should be applied in the morning or in the evening so that the foliage does not burn under the influence of sunlight. During this period, the use of mineral and organic preparations is allowed. But potassium plays an important role during this period, which contributes to the formation of flower ovaries.

The specifics of root and foliar top dressing

There are two ways to feed tomato seedlings: root and out-of-root. In the first case, the fertilizer is dissolved in water and applied to the soil by watering the seedlings directly under the root. It is especially important to carry out this on first two stages, since plants during this period are especially susceptible to fungal diseases, and moisture should not be allowed to get on the foliage, even with fertilizer. Fertilizing in this way should be applied to moist soil so as not to cause root burns.

At the third and fourth stage better use foliar top dressing by spraying drugs on the foliage with a spray gun. This will help to better assimilate nutrients, since the foliage during this period is already quite developed and is able to absorb all the necessary trace elements. It is better to carry out this procedure in the morning, as burns may appear on the leaves under the influence of sunlight.

How and how to feed tomato seedlings

To feed tomato seedlings, you can choose any fertilizer based on the preferences of the gardener. Some use mineral fertilizers, while others use organic or folk remedies.

Mineral fertilizers

This type of fertilizer contains the necessary amount of nutrients for the full growth and development of seedlings. The most common preparations for feeding tomato seedlings so that they grow better and faster are:

Important! To feed tomato seedlings, experts recommend carrying out complex feeding using several types of mineral fertilizers at the same time.

• dissolve urea (1 g), potassium sulfate (3 g) and superphosphate (8 g) in 2 liters of water, mix the resulting solution until completely dissolved and apply for root dressing;
• dilute ammonium nitrate (0.6 g), superphosphate (4 g) and potassium sulfate (1.5 g) in 1 liter of water, use for root and foliar feeding after complete dissolution of the components.

organic fertilizers

Many gardeners use organic fertilizers to feed tomato seedlings. But it should be understood that organics contain mostly nitrogen, so this type of fertilizer should be used at an early stage in the development of seedlings.

The most common of them are:

Folk remedies

In addition to the listed fertilizers, it is allowed to fertilize tomato seedlings using common folk remedies. This fertilizer option is especially suitable for gardeners who are not ready to use chemicals.

The most popular of them are:

Video: feeding tomato seedlings with iodine

Common Problems

Often, gardeners have the same problems that are caused by improper seedling conditions or a lack of certain trace elements. To avoid them and know how to fix them, you should familiarize yourself with them in advance.

1. If the tomato seedlings thin stems. This is a sign of excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers. In order for the seedlings to become plump, it is necessary to initially spray the plants with the Athlete preparation, and then fertilize with superphosphate and potassium sulfide.
2. If the tomato seedlings have too pale foliage and stems. This is a sign of nitrogen deficiency. It is necessary to feed with organic means or urea.
3. To seedlings of tomatoes not pulled out for feeding wood ash should be used, but not too zealously, as it can significantly stop growth.

Video: to make sure that tomato seedlings do not stretch

By fertilizing tomato seedlings in accordance with all the rules and taking into account all the recommendations, you can achieve the desired result. And strong and strong plants will be able to withstand negative environmental conditions in the future and give a rich harvest of fruits.

In contact with

There is no single established opinion about the need to feed seedlings. Someone is sure that it is better not to do this before planting in a greenhouse or open ground. At home, the plant needs to be watered and maintained at the correct temperature. Sometimes this is not enough: the foliage fades and changes color, the growth of the bush slows down. To avoid these signs, it is necessary to feed the seedlings. Allowed to make organic and mineral dressings.

tomatoes

Tomatoes can be found in almost every suburban area. Even inexperienced gardeners try to grow them. To propagate your favorite variety and get a decent harvest, you need to take care of growing strong seedlings.

Seeds are planted in a special soil mixture:

• land from the garden (you can not use the soil from the place where potatoes grow);
• humus;
• calcined sand;
• chalk powder.

To make the seeds more likely to germinate, they can be soaked in water. After 1.5 days, the first shoots will hatch. However, some gardeners advise sowing seeds directly into the ground. They are confident that the seedlings will grow stronger and stronger. Seeds are sown in early or mid-March (sometimes even in early April). Quality soil and the right temperature can ensure seedling health. To ensure a bountiful harvest and active growth, the plants should be fed.

Feeding is carried out in 4 stages.

1. The first feeding can be done after the development of the third leaf. It is necessary to use combined mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. "Agricola 3" - fertilizer for better growth of the root system and the aerial part. In addition to nitrogen, the fertilizer is rich in potassium and phosphorus.
2. The second top dressing is applied to the soil 12 days after picking (transplanting). It is advisable to use . The main components of fertilizer are potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. 1.5 tsp granules are dissolved in 5 liters of water. Plants need to be watered with the calculation of half a glass per sprout.
3. The third feeding is applied on the 26th day (completely similar to the second feeding).
4. The last top dressing is necessary when the tomatoes reach two months of age. If seedlings do not develop well, they need nitrogen. If the green mass is sufficiently developed, you need to focus on phosphorus and potassium. Prepare a nutritious "cocktail". In 5 liters of water, dissolve a full tablespoon of wood ash and half a tablespoon of superphosphate. 100 ml of solution is added under each bush.

If the color of the foliage acquires an unnatural shade (purple, yellow, brown), emergency feeding with the missing minerals is necessary.

eggplant

Eggplants love moisture and oxygen. Seedlings do not germinate well and grow slowly. Seeds are sown in February. Plants should be regularly and moderately watered and fertilized as necessary. Until the moment of landing in the ground, 3 additional feedings are carried out.

1. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers will help the seedlings quickly develop the root system and greenery. After the appearance of the first sheet, you need to make "Uniflor growth" in accordance with the instructions.
2. In order for the root system to develop faster, you can make a solution of "Living Force" on the 10th day after picking.
3. 3 days before planting, the plants need to be fed with ecogel. This will allow the seedlings to quickly take root.

Pepper

Pepper grows in almost every dacha. The process of growing pepper seedlings is similar to growing tomatoes. Peppers need to provide a warm temperature, water moderately and make nutrients. "Correct" seedlings will give a decent harvest.

Unlike tomatoes, pepper seeds germinate better. They are tight, so the landing is made in the middle or end of February. Pepper seedlings like to present "surprises". In one night, strong healthy bushes can wither. Timely and properly selected top dressing will allow the pepper to grow better and form a crop in the future.

How to feed pepper for fast growth?

1. The first top dressing can be done when the bush releases the first full-fledged leaf. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of urea (carbonic acid amide) in 10 liters of water. It is rich in nitrogen and potassium. Plants should be watered carefully (no more than 100 ml per bush). 10 days after this procedure, the bushes need to dive into larger pots or boxes.
2. So that the bushes are not oversaturated with minerals, the second top dressing is carried out 21 days after the first. The composition of the solution is identical. Before watering the peppers, sprinkle the soil in the boxes with a thin layer of wood ash.
3. The third and last feeding of seedlings is carried out 7 days before transplanting into the ground. If the seedlings grew slowly, you need to apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers. By the time of planting in the soil, the plant should form a strong root system. For this, the bushes must be fed with phosphorus. An ideal option for top dressing is double superphosphate.

cucumbers

Cucumber seedlings grow very quickly. Seeds should be planted a month before planting in the ground. Germinating sprouts should be watered moderately so that they do not stretch out and weaken. If the cucumber seedlings began to grow poorly and wither, the root system does not have enough oxygen. The soil must be loosened for better breathability.

Fertilizing cucumbers before planting should be done twice.

1. For best growth, any fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is used as the first top dressing. The event is held after the appearance of the first full-fledged leaf on the whip.
2. The second feeding should be treated more scrupulously. To prepare the solution, you will need one and a half liters of water, 3 tbsp. l. wood ash, 10 g of potassium nitrate and 5 g of double superphosphate. You can add a complex of microfertilizers to the solution ("Master", "Sizam", "Oracle"). The mixture is applied 10 days before planting cucumbers in open ground or in a greenhouse.

According to this scheme, you can feed zucchini and zucchini.

The ability to plant seeds immediately in open ground is only available in warm regions. In most cases, gardeners need to prepare strong seedlings in advance. It needs optimal conditions for development and growth: the right temperature, good mineralized soil and timely fertilization.

Many summer residents grow tomato seedlings themselves, trying to create comfortable conditions for it and provide additional nourishment. After all, their further development and fruiting depend on the nutrition of plants in the seedling period. However, overdoing it with fertilizers can harm them. Therefore, it is very important to apply fertilizers taking into account the condition of the plants and strictly adhere to certain norms.

Do I need to feed tomato seedlings

Tomatoes need a balanced diet, but you can not rush to apply additional fertilizer if the seeds were sown in fertile soil and while the sprouts have strong stems and bright green leaves.

Strong healthy seedlings grow in a nutrient medium

However, as the seedling grows, it draws all the micro- and macroelements it needs from the soil and, as a result of an imbalance of nutrients, becomes weak. Top dressing will help the seedlings get stronger and increase immunity. What types of fertilizers plants need can be judged by their appearance.

Video: is it necessary to feed tomato seedlings

When to Feed Tomato Seedlings

During the seedling period, the plants are fed several times.

If necessary, you can fertilize the plants more often, once a week, while reducing the rate of the applied substance by 2 times.

It is advisable to feed the tomatoes in the morning, so as not to cause a burn from water droplets on the leaves.

What is the best way to feed tomato seedlings

Mineral and organic fertilizers are used to feed young shoots. Top dressing is applied in two ways: under the root when watering or by spraying on the leaf. The foliar method is considered the most effective for young sprouts, in which nutrients are absorbed by plants very quickly.

When sprayed, nutrients are absorbed faster by the leaves

Mineral fertilizers

Ready-made fertilizers can be in liquid form (Effect, Ideal, Krepysh, Biohumus) and dry (Agricola, nitroammophoska). Fertilize seedlings with nutrient solutions, strictly following the instructions.

Table: mineral supplements

Photo gallery: the best fertilizers for seedlings

Urea - fertilizer in the form of white granules - supplies plants with nitrogen and accelerates the growth of vegetative mass Krepysh - a water-soluble fertilizer, most of which is nitrogen, promotes the growth of seedlings and increases immunity Double nitrogen-containing superphosphate is a phosphorus fertilizer that ensures the development of the root system and accelerates plant growth Nitrophoska, containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, contributes to the good nutrition of seedlings Agricola - complex mineral fertilizer for foliar and root feeding of plants Effecton - a natural substrate obtained by composting peat mass with the use of additives

Video: application of Krepysh fertilizer

Folk remedies for seedlings of tomatoes

To feed seedlings, gardeners often use folk remedies, the effectiveness of which has been proven by many years of practice.

How to feed seedlings with ashes

Ash is a valuable organic fertilizer rich in potassium, phosphorus and calcium, which are especially needed by tomato seedlings in the early stages of development. Ash infusion feed the sprouts at a week of age and again after 14 days. The solution is prepared from 2 tbsp. l. ash and 1 liter of water, insist for a day, filter and apply under the root or spray over the plant.

Ash infusion is an ideal top dressing for weak seedlings

Feeding tomato seedlings with yeast

The nutritional yeast supplement is especially useful for young robegus, stimulating their growth and the formation of a strong root system. Yeast fungi containing amino acids, vitamins, microelements, increase the saturation of plants with vitamins, improve oxygen metabolism.

Baker's yeast can be used as an effective fertilizer for tomato seedlings

Feeding with yeast in the phase of 2–3 leaves improves the survival rate of seedlings after picking. However, such a fertilizer is effective only when applied to warm soil (at least + 18 ° C). In addition, in order to avoid a deficiency of potassium and calcium, which are absorbed during the fermentation of fungi, yeast is combined with the addition of ash (20 g) or egg shells (5 g / 10 cm 2). To prepare the sourdough, 200 g of fresh yeast is mixed in 1 liter of warm water, after 1 hour it is diluted with water 1:10 and applied under the root to moist soil or the plants are sprayed.

Instead of yeast, I use bread, because it has a yeast base. I fill the bread slices, crackers with water and put it under oppression for a week. Before use, filter and dilute with water 1: 3.

Bread fertilizer due to the yeast base acts as a biostimulant

Iodine is an effective fertilizer for vegetable seedlings

The use of iodine as a top dressing not only improves the development of tomatoes, but also reduces the risk of the spread of pathogenic bacteria. A 5% alcohol solution of a pharmaceutical preparation contains iodine, potassium iodide and 96% ethanol. The use of such top dressing allows you to avoid iodine deficiency, and thanks to the antimicrobial properties, protect against diseases. An iodine solution (3 drops \ 10 l of water) is applied in the phase of 2–3 true leaves during root watering or spraying.

Feeding with iodine after picking helps plants cope with stress faster and increase immunity.

An excellent feed for tomato seedlings is milk with the addition of iodine. In 1 liter of warm water I pour 5 drops of iodine, 200 ml of low-fat milk and spray it. As a result, tomatoes receive the necessary trace elements, pathogenic soil microorganisms are suppressed, and the film that lactose forms on plants reliably protects against fungal spores.

Iodine-milk solution - fertilizer with a protective effect

Chicken manure is a valuable organic fertilizer

The richest source of nutrients is chicken manure. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, which are responsible for the growth and health of plants. For fertilizing tomatoes, an infusion of chicken manure is used: 1 liter of organic fertilizer is mixed with 1 liter of water and left in a closed container for fermentation for several days. Before use, the concentrate should be diluted 20 times.

Chicken manure contains useful trace elements and bioactive substances that promote the active growth of plants.

This infusion is best used during the first fertilizing irrigation. However, chicken manure has an unpleasant odor, and when growing tomato seedlings on a windowsill, it is better to replace it with other means.

Green fertilizer for seedlings

A few days before planting in the ground, seedlings can be fed with herbal infusion. Nettle, yarrow, dandelion are poured with water in a ratio of 1:10 and left for a week. Before use, the concentrated fertilizer is diluted with water 1:10 and the plants are watered (150 ml / bush).

Herbal infusion - effective organic fertilizer

Video: feeding tomatoes before planting in open ground

Feeding seedlings with infusion of onion peel

Such top dressing has a double effect. Carotene, contained in onion peel and having antioxidant properties, promotes intensive growth of seedlings, restores the strength of weakened and damaged plants. And the phytoncides present in the onion shell destroy harmful bacteria. 1 cup of onion peels is poured into 1 liter of boiling water, insisted for 2 days, then filtered, diluted with water 1:3 and applied over the sheet.

Onion peel contains nutrients and phytoncides

The nutrition of vegetable seedlings must be balanced, so organic fertilizers should be used in combination with mineral fertilizers.

How to feed tomato seedlings with peroxide

A beneficial effect on tomatoes and fertilizing with hydrogen peroxide. The use of peroxide is especially useful for weakened, slow-growing or picked seedlings. Hydrogen peroxide, which is a transparent liquid, is similar in chemical composition to rain and melt water, which is popularly called living water.

To feed tomato seedlings, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is sold in any pharmacy

When using peroxide, the soil layer is saturated with oxygen, biochemical processes in the root system are accelerated, and nutrient absorption is improved. Positive changes after such top dressing are noticeable after a few hours - the leaves of the seedlings become more juicy and acquire a rich green color. Watering or spraying with a solution (1 tablespoon \ 1 l) is carried out to accelerate the growth of seedlings or to revive seedlings that are fading after diving.

How to feed weak and thin tomato seedlings

Even experienced gardeners sometimes notice that the seedlings begin to grow too intensively, stretch out, and the stems become thinner. The reason for this may be a violation of agricultural technology, deficiency or excess of nutrients.

If the tomato seedlings have stretched out and become pale green, then it's time to feed them with useful microelements.

For resuscitation of weak and thin seedlings, to control its growth, you can use the stabilizing drug Athlete. As a result of the use of the biostimulant, the growth of the aerial parts of plants slows down, a strong root system is formed, the stem becomes strong and thick. Athlete is used when 3–4 leaves appear, adding a solution (1.5 ml \ 300 ml of water) when watering 1 time. Or spray the seedlings three times with a week break with a more concentrated liquid (1.5 ml \ 500 ml).

The use of the drug Athlete will slow down the growth of the aerial parts of plants and form a strong root system

After spraying with the preparation, the plants can be watered in a day, after root application - after 2–3 days. The last treatment should be carried out 3-5 days before transplanting into the ground.

To get strong healthy seedlings of tomatoes, it is necessary to provide them with a balanced diet. Modern summer residents have a large arsenal of chemical and folk remedies. However, they should be used taking into account the biological state of the plants and strictly following the instructions.

Reading time ≈ 12 minutes

Do you want to get the perfect tomato seedlings at home and have the right top dressing? Then this article is just for you. Follow these recommendations and soon you will be able to enjoy delicious tomatoes from your garden.

It doesn’t matter where you will do it, in the country, in a country house, the main thing is to be patient and pay enough attention to this matter.

Home grown tomatoes

It is worth noting that tomatoes are one of the most popular crops in our country. And no wonder. Fruits have many vitamins, pleasant taste and well saturate. But isn't it easier to buy seedlings on the market? Of course it's easier. But by making it yourself, you are guaranteed a good harvest, which will be not only large, but environmentally friendly.

How to choose the right substrate and seeds for planting

Growing any crop begins with preparation. First you need to choose planting material in order to get the best fruits. There is an opinion that the seeds of foreign brands are many times better and better than domestic counterparts. If we talk about the seed, then this rule does not apply. The fact is that each manufacturer creates products for certain regions. At the same time, an adjustment is made to the characteristics of the climate, soil typology, rainfall and other factors.

So it is better to use seeds from the domestic market. So you will achieve the best performance when growing. Varieties such as Russian Garden, SeDeka, Ilyinichny and others are very popular for growing at home. The main thing is to choose zoned crop varieties.

Also, do not stop at one variety. Buy four or five types at once, so that later you can select those that have proven themselves best. Purchased seeds do not require additional processing before planting. They have already been etched with a special agent. But if you are using planting material that you have collected yourself, then you need to properly prepare it. To do this, take potassium permanganate and make a dark pink solution. Then soak the seeds for 30 minutes. To make it more convenient, you can wrap it in cotton pads. After soaking, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the seeds in several waters.

tomato seeds

Soak.

There is still a dilemma for gardeners: to soak the seed before planting or not. There are two opinions.

• Dry unprepared seeds can give much less seedlings than prepared and germinated seeds (by 70%).
• If a dry seed did not germinate on its own, then its vital activity and productivity in the future will be small.

If we talk about the soil, then there are no special requirements. Tomatoes tolerate the drought of the earth and dry air well. Not necessarily the presence of special fertilizers. Interestingly, tomatoes can easily grow even on soil with high acidity. Moderate dryness of the air favorably affects the culture. So growing tomatoes on the windowsill is a very simple matter.

Before planting, prepare the substrate in a suitable container. To do this, mix the following ingredients:

• Earth;
• humus;
• loam;
• compost.

If there is no opportunity and time, then you can buy ordinary peat soil, which is sold on the market and in specialized departments of stores. No matter what soil you have, it must be well steamed. Tomato seedlings, like any other, are an excellent field for the development of various fungi that will not interfere with anyone in the open field. Do not take soil from a garden or flower bed. You won't get good seedlings.

Soddy soil should be taken from those places where nothing has been growing for at least five years (forbs). Humus should not be used young, but one that is already over three years old.

peat soil

It is necessary to plant a crop for seedlings in advance. The exact timing depends on several factors:

1. what variety will be sown;
2. will it be a heated greenhouse or an open one.

In any case, you can start landing at the end of March in protected ground.

In order to get healthy seedlings, you need to properly grow seedlings. Experts highlight such recommendations to get tomatoes in an apartment on the windowsill.

Turn the box or crate of seedlings daily towards the light. So you save the seedlings from unnecessary stretching. Yes, and growth will be uniform, and the stem will not bend in one direction.

Do not place a container of tomatoes on the windowsill itself. Ventilation of the root part of the culture will be disturbed. Put some kind of stand first to provide air access to the roots, as shown in the photo.

Proper processing and germination of seed at home

To get strong seedlings, you need to soak the seeds before planting. It's pretty easy to do and doesn't require much effort. You need to take 1 liter of water and add one of the following ingredients to your choice:

1. 1 teaspoon "Effekton";
2. 1 ml of Epin fertilizer;
3. 1 teaspoon wood ash;
4. 1 teaspoon of Agricola;
5. 2 g "Buton";
6. 1 teaspoon "Nitrophoska";
7. 1 teaspoon "Drops".

Soaking is best done in bags made of natural fabrics. The term is about a day. But make sure that the temperature of this mixture does not fall below 20⁰ C. As soon as the soaking is over, wet seed bags should be put in a bag and placed in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours. This is necessary for seed hardening.

You need to sow the seeds still cold immediately into the ground. Such a scheme will help to achieve friendly shoots that will germinate very quickly.

Seed treatment before planting

Rules for picking seedlings at home

While the seeds have just sprouted and grow at the first stage, then top dressing of tomato seedlings is not needed at all. Your task is only to water the tomatoes so that the soil does not dry out. As soon as two leaves appear on the sprouts, then it's time to dive. In this case, you need to immediately transplant into separate containers. At this stage, it is necessary to deepen the sprouts to the cotyledon leaves themselves.

When transplanting, you need to feed the seedlings a little. For these purposes, add 1 tablespoon of mineral fertilizer (for example, Signor Tomato) to each container. After two weeks, it is worth repeating top dressing. Now you can use the usual complex fertilizer.

Disposable plastic cups with a capacity of 0.5 liters are perfect for transplanting. Take smaller volumes of containers - a pick is waiting for you twice. Transplantation can be done in two ways.

• Planting one at a time in a separate container. So you will ensure the healthy development of the whole plant, and as a result, the root system will be strong and powerful, which is excellent for fixing in open ground.

Transplanting one tomato

• Landing two pieces in one container. The result will be the formation of two powerful root systems. Once the seedlings are about 10-15 cm tall, tie both stems tightly. To do this, use a nylon thread. After growing together (this will definitely happen), very carefully you need to pin the top of the weaker stem. The result - one bush grows, which has a powerful root system, a strong stem and rich fruits. Ideal for varieties with tall characteristics.

Transplant two tomatoes

Before planting in open ground, it is necessary to harden plants. You need to start this process no less than 10 days before planting. The easiest way is to gradually lower the temperature from 18-20 degrees to 14-16 degrees.

The next stage starts about five days before the landing. It is necessary to take out seedlings to fresh air for two to three hours. And just before transplanting, you need to take it outside for a whole day.

Lowering the temperature changes the physiological parameters of the plant. And tomatoes become absolutely ready for the changed environmental conditions.

Planted tomatoes in the open field

Proper nutrition is the key to a great harvest

It's no secret that all plants grown by people should be fed. Thus, you can achieve good performance and higher yields. In addition, it helps to make the plants strong and develop fully. For such purposes, you can use specialized tools and solutions. You can also use folk remedies. Let us consider in more detail the options for fertilizing tomato seedlings at home.

The main feeding for the plant will be the soil, which should be nutritious and suitable. Fertilization should only take place in the morning or evening. And after feeding should be well watered. Such a measure is necessary for the complete washing off of the substance from the sheets. Therefore, you can not be afraid that the plants will get burned.

The first feeding should take place no earlier than the sprouts will have real leaves. And the last - ten days before landing in open ground. It is also worth doing such actions if you notice such features.

• Pale color of the leaves, streaks of bright green color appear on them. This is an indicator of iron deficiency. That is what needs to be added to the soil.

iron deficiency

• Purchasing a purple hue. Says there is a phosphorus deficiency;

Phosphorus deficiency

• Wilting of leaves, their yellowing and falling off, slow growth of seedlings. This is a signal of a lack of nitrogen. But as an option, you need to check such factors: the amount of sunlight, compliance with the temperature regime.

Lack of nitrogen

Such knowledge will help you properly care for plants in order to achieve maximum effect.

Options and features of feeding tomatoes

To know how to feed your seedlings, you need to follow further recommendations. Everything will depend on what kind of feeding will be in the account. The fact is that at each stage of growth different substances will be needed.

I top dressing

For the first feeding, you can take the compositions that are already sold ready-made in the store. These include Nitrofoska, Agricola No. 3, Agricola-Forward and others. In the instructions you will find a detailed description for use.

If you do not want to buy substances, then you can make the mixture yourself. For example, feeding with urea. For this you will need:

• 2 liters of water;
• 1 g of urea;
• 8 g superphosphate;
• 3 g of potassium sulfate.

You just need to combine all the ingredients and mix well. Then just water the seedlings with this mixture. But not everyone wants to use chemistry. In this case, top dressing of tomato seedlings at home with ash, or rather its extract, will be relevant. To prepare such a fertilizer, you need the following.

• Dissolve a tablespoon of wood ash in 2 liters of hot water.
• Leave the mixture for at least a day so that it is well infused.
• Strain the resulting top dressing and water the seedlings with it.

An alternative to wood ash fertilizers can be the use of yeast. Feeding tomato seedlings at home with yeast has one feature. The prepared mixture should not be stored, so it is made in the amount required for a single use.

Yeast infusion is very easy to make yourself.

• You need to take five grams of bread yeast.
• Dilute yeast in five liters of water.
• Mix the mixture well and let it brew for a day.
• The infusion is ready to use.

Video: feeding tomatoes

II top dressing

The second time it is worth feeding the seedlings two weeks after the first time. For healthy and strong plants, complex fertilizers, like Effekton, are suitable. Superphosphate should be used for seedlings with overly elongated stems. It must be dissolved in water (only hot) in proportion to 3 liters of water 1 tablespoon.

You can use fertilizers based on saltpeter. And for gardeners who do not want to use it, there is an alternative - iodine. It is beneficial for both humans and plants. Fertilizing tomato seedlings at home with iodine is used to improve nitrogen metabolism. It also increases the yield of tomatoes. In addition to nutrition for plants, iodine protects tomatoes well from a huge number of fungi and other unnecessary microorganisms. If the seedlings have a lack of iodine, then the rate of plant development decreases several times and various diseases appear.

When growing vegetables in seedlings, it is necessary to use fertilizers for seedlings. Feeding has a huge impact on plant growth, but adding additional nutrients requires some knowledge from the grower.

When growing vegetables in seedlings, it is very important to choose not only high-quality seed material and, but also to apply the necessary fertilizers for seedlings in the development process. Experienced growers know that top dressing has a huge impact on plant growth. However, this process requires compliance with the measure. Therefore, before fertilizing seedlings, it is necessary to choose the type, shape and composition of the nutrient mixture.

Mineral fertilizers for vegetable seedlings

Top dressing of this type consists of inorganic compounds, mainly mineral salts. Depending on the type of filling, fertilizers for seedlings are simple with one trace element or complex, containing several minerals.

The main minerals that are necessary for the full development of the plant:

• Nitrogen: ammonium nitrate (35% nitrogen), urea (46% nitrogen), ammonium sulfate (20% nitrogen), ammonia water (20-25% nitrogen).
• Phosphorus: superphosphate (20% phosphorus) or double superphosphate (40-50% phosphorus).
• Potassium: potassium chloride (50-60% potassium oxide), potassium salt (30-40% K20), potassium sulfate (45-50% K20).

With a lack of any mineral, the growth of seedlings slows down significantly. Its leaves become light green in color, become small and begin to fall off. With excessive intake of mineral fertilizers, the plant can get burned and die. Therefore, before fertilizing seedlings, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions and, in accordance with the stated norms, apply top dressing.

Organic fertilizer for vegetable seedlings

This type of fertilizer contains organic matter. The main advantage of top dressing is that it contains not one type of minerals, but almost all the necessary nutrients. Such an organic fertilizer cannot be attributed to any one type, since the main mineral elements are already present in it. In addition, other minerals are contained in different proportions: cobalt, boron, copper, manganese, etc.

Organic fertilizers for vegetable seedlings:

• Manure. The advantage of using manure is a complete set of all necessary substances. In addition, after its addition, the biological and physical characteristics of the soil are improved. It begins to release abundantly carbon dioxide, which is necessary for the carbon nutrition of the plant.
• chicken manure. Its distinguishing feature is its enormous productivity. It contains a large amount of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus.
• Compost. This type of fertilizer is easy to prepare at their summer cottage. For its preparation, leaves, straw, grass from weeds, potato tops, various kitchen garbage, etc. are used.

The introduction of organic fertilizers for seedlings gives a good result, but it can be difficult for a beginner to determine the necessary proportions. Therefore, before feeding, it is better to get additional advice from a specialist.

Fertilizer for seedlings of cabbage

Fertilizers for tomato seedlings

Nutrient top dressing is applied several times. The first time fertilizers for tomato seedlings are used after picking only after 10 days. It is recommended to water the plants with organic fertilizers, which will enhance the growth of weak senets. The principle of preparing a nutrient mixture from mullein or bird droppings is described above.

Also, wood ash, which contains a large number of various trace elements, has proven itself well as a fertilizer for home seedlings of tomatoes.

For 2-3 m² of sown area, 8-10 liters of liquid, 70-80 g of ash and 15-25 mg of ammonium nitrate will be required. This nutrient mixture can be used 10-13 days after the first fertilization.

Each top dressing of any plant should be completed with irrigation with warm water. When fertilizing, avoid getting fertilizer on the leaf mass. To prevent burns on the leaves after watering, it is recommended to sprinkle all plants with water.

Video: fertilizer for seedlings or why the leaves turn yellow