John Myers
Too often the importance of this measure is underestimated and the bigger the seedlings get, the more the negative effects become apparent. Those who do not prick out risk growth disorders. The plants cannot develop vigorously enough, so the harvest suffers.
Wait for the right moment
When the right time has come depends on the species. Each seed takes a different amount of time before it sprouts and develops the first cotyledons. The subsequent growth rate depends on the environmental conditions. With some strains, it’s time after seven to ten days. Each gardener seems to follow their own rules when singulating. Ideally, seedlings are isolated when they have developed the first pair of leaves and the stem has reached sufficient stability.
Advantages of isolation:
- Young plants get even light
- Roots unfold without competitive pressure
- Seedlings develop more vigorously
Choose the right soil
From now on, the young plants need a little more nutrients, with a substrate that is too nutrient-rich leading to root burns. Mix a potting soil garden or potting soil, sand, and some compost and fill it in the small plant pots.
Which plant pots are suitable?
The material plays a subordinate role. You can use various plastic containers, which will give your culture ample opportunity for healthy growth. The majority of all types of vegetables thrive in pots with a diameter of between eight and twelve centimeters. Larger planters are recommended for plants such as pumpkins or wild tomatoes, which reach a considerable size within a short time.
Insert seedlings
Make sure that the main root sits vertically in the planting hole and does not bend upwards. If this is the case, trim the long roots to about an inch. Otherwise, the plant suffers from growth disorders, which affects the later crop yield.
Put the young plants a little deeper in the ground. With peppers and tomatoes, this measure is carried out deliberately so that the stalk develops additional roots directly above the root collar. Push the hole closed and gently press the plantlet into place. Subsequent watering with a flower sprayer closes open gaps in the substrate.
