In the variety of varieties and hybrids of tomatoes offered, it is easy to get confused not only for a beginner, but also for an experienced vegetable grower. Everyone wants to get a harvest as early as possible and extend the growing season as long as possible. Therefore, varieties of different ripening periods and growth rates have been created.
In order to fully utilize the full potential of the variety, it is necessary to carry out the necessary agrotechnical measures in a timely manner at each stage of plant development. One of the most important is the determination of the time for sowing tomatoes for seedlings.
What affects the timing of sowing tomato seeds and growing seedlings
The cultivation of tomatoes for seedlings is significantly influenced by a number of factors:
- air temperature;
- illumination;
- humidity;
- soil fertility;
- varietal features.
These factors must be taken into account when determining the time for sowing seeds, and their influence should be used, if necessary, to adjust the strength of seedling growth. Thus, a decrease in flow and temperature will slow down growth. Top dressing, temperature increase and sunlight (artificial illumination of seedlings) – will accelerate its growth.
If the growth rate of seedlings can be influenced in some way, then the timing of its planting in the ground most often determines the climatic conditions of the region and the weather conditions in the current year.
When to sow tomatoes for seedlings in spring
Manufacturer’s recommendations
Based on the varietal characteristics of tomatoes, manufacturers indicate the recommended sowing dates. They are usually quite long, designed for different regions and give the grower freedom of choice. In addition, the packages indicate the expiration dates of the seeds.
According to the lunar calendar
The influence of the phase of the moon on processes in nature has been studied for a long time, and this influence has a significant impact on the course of various processes inside a living cell. Some consider this influence insignificant, not affecting the crop in any way.
However, astrologers annually recommend the best dates for agricultural activities, and each gardener decides to follow them or not.
The most favorable time for sowing seeds is the growing moon or the beginning of the second and fourth phases. Seedlings will be friendly, and the sprouts will be healthy. Do not sow on the full moon and in the phase of the waning moon.
Depending on the region
The timing suitable for planting seedlings in the southern regions is deadly for the northern ones. That is why the timing of sowing seeds for seedlings also differs by region:
- southern – the last decade of February / the first half of March;
- central – the second half of March/beginning of April;
- northern – the first half of April.
It is not worth rushing to plant seedlings in the ground. The temperature of the soil should be at least 10ΒΊΠ‘, air – 15ΒΊΠ‘.
Carefully! Under conditions of low temperatures, the survival rate worsens, physiological processes slow down, there is a danger of developing diseases, shedding flowers and reducing the yield in the future.
Terms and date of sowing seeds: we calculate correctly
To correctly determine the timing of sowing seeds, you need to know the characteristics of the variety and the place where it will be planted:
- For heated winter greenhouses, seedlings can be grown in December, because, knowing the time for planting in the ground, and based on it, you can start planting seedlings without fear of the influence of weather conditions.
- For spring greenhouses, it must be foreseen that spring may be delayed.
- For planting in open ground, it is necessary not only to wait for the optimum temperature of the soil and air, but also to take into account the threat of frost in the spring.
The general calculation procedure can be as follows: based on long-term observations, we determine the expected date for planting seedlings, subtract from it the optimal age of seedlings (55-65 days) and another 5-7 days when growing seedlings through a pick. As a result of the calculation, we obtain the term for sowing seeds. The amendment can be made depending on the ripening period of a particular variety.
Advice! Even if the sowing date calculations seem perfectly correct, sow the seeds in batches spaced a few days apart. This will help to avoid a serious mistake in the event of unforeseen situations.
The video shows how to sow tomatoes for seedlings in wooden boxes.
Preparing seeds for planting
To grow good healthy seedlings from seeds, you need to carry out their pre-sowing treatment:
- calibration in a solution of 1 tsp. salt in 180 ml of water;
- hardening: alternation of cold and low temperatures (at night – below 5 Β° C, during the day – room temperature) or keeping at a temperature of -3 Β° C;
- heating on the battery for several days;
- disinfection with a solution of potassium permanganate 1%.
If the condition of the seeds is in doubt or their shelf life is unknown, the seeds are pre-sprouted.
For germination, the seeds are soaked for 12 hours, while changing the water 2-3 times. The soaked seeds are laid out on a napkin and kept at a temperature of at least 20 Β° C until the seeds begin to spit. At the same time, the napkins are constantly kept moist.
Specialized producers sell seeds that are completely ready for sowing, which do not need to be germinated. All that remains is to prepare the soil or buy a ready-made seedling mixture filled with a full range of nutrients.
Seeding of tomato seeds
Sowing seeds is carried out in various containers, the size of which is chosen depending on whether the seedlings are planned to dive, or they will grow in it before planting in the ground. These can be plastic bags, cups, bags, various boxes, peat pots and tablets, honeycomb cassettes.
If the seedlings are not supposed to dive, one seed is sown in the center of the cup, its size should be at least 8 Γ 8 cm. Peat tablets must be soaked in water before sowing.
The main thing is not to thicken the seedlings, for this, when sowing in boxes and containers, the distance between rows should be about 5 cm, and between seeds 1.5β2.0 cm. Seeds are deepened by 1.0β1.5 cm. It is convenient to use special cassettes that provide optimal distance between seedlings.
Seeds are sown in well-moistened soil and covered with a transparent film or glass to create the effect of a greenhouse.
Recommendations for the selection of seeds
It is necessary to select seeds for sowing, based on the needs, purpose, available areas and shelters. Varietal characteristics determine the taste, color, shape and size of fruits, the timing of their ripening, as well as the shape and size of the plants themselves.
- In order to make the most efficient use of the greenhouse area, it is necessary to give preference to tall, indeterminate varieties of mid-season or late ripening. They take up little space, the fruits are tied along the entire height of the greenhouse, and the yield is higher than that of undersized tomatoes. Harvest can be obtained until autumn, in heated greenhouses until November.
- To get an early harvest, you need to plant determinant, undersized varieties. For them, you can use low areas of the greenhouse, where tall people will not be comfortable.
- In open ground, it is better to grow early and mid-season tomato varieties so that they have time to produce a crop during the period of favorable weather conditions.
When and what varieties of tomatoes to sow for seedlings – you choose. But at the same time, you need to remember: the correct selection of varieties, sowing seeds at the optimal time, compliance with agricultural technology during the growing season will allow you to get a fresh crop from early spring to late autumn.
