When and how to transplant tomato seedlings into pots

As spring approaches, gardeners begin to have new concerns about preparing for planting vegetable and garden crops - summer residents transplant seedlings into greenhouses and pots. Gradually, the window sill becomes like a greenhouse, where there are numerous jars, cups, pots and boxes with soil.

Why replant tomatoes?

The main difference between a vegetable crop like tomatoes and others is that when transplanted, their root system is not damaged, but becomes stronger.

Transplanting plant seedlings into separate pots has the following advantages:

• a powerful root system is formed;
• weak seedlings can not be taken for further planting;
• using the available territory with maximum efficiency.

The disadvantages of picking include:

• developmental delay;
• later fruit ripening.

When to transplant tomatoes

Beginning summer residents are interested in the question of when to transplant tomato seedlings into pots so that it is less painful for the plants and does not affect their development. As a rule, picking vegetable crops begins at an early stage.

Gradually, in the new soil, the root system of plants begins to grow and becomes stronger, which guarantees a bountiful harvest. Tomato transplantation can begin as soon as 2–3 leaves appear on the stem.

How to replant tomatoes

Gardeners transplant seedlings in two ways.

Picking or transplanting

Before the procedure, you need to water the tomatoes generously - thanks to this, they can be easily removed from the container. The landing itself looks like this:

1. The container in which the tomatoes will be planted is filled one third with soil.
2. The pots with seedlings are carefully turned over so that the tomatoes are in the palm of your hand.
3. The plant along with the soil is planted in a new pot.

Afterwards, add soil to the pot and water it abundantly.

Transshipment

The advantage of the method is that the plant root system is not affected. Two days before, the seedlings stop watering. This is necessary so that the tomato sprouts can be easily removed from the pots.

The container with the plant is turned over and it is carefully pulled out. The seedling should be dropped into a specially prepared container.

The planted plants are watered abundantly with water at room temperature and placed in a dark place. Please note that after planting, tomatoes should be placed in a dark place for two days.

Features of the first pick

The first transplant of vegetable crops has several features, observing which you can get a healthy plant and a bountiful harvest:

• Seedlings should begin to be pricked when the first 2–3 leaves appear on them.
• New pots for seedlings should be 8x8 cm in size.
• The seedlings will grow about 20 cm.
• For replanting, specially prepared soil is used (sand, peat and humus in equal quantities).

• The soil should be pre-steamed in the oven for disinfection.
• The container for transplantation is treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
• Seedlings are planted shallowly in the soil.
• Daytime temperatures should be up to 22 °C, and night temperatures should be up to 16 °C.
• Seedlings need to be watered once every seven days.
• Tomatoes should be provided with high-quality lighting.

After 20 days, the seedlings are fed with a special nitrophoska solution. For this, 1 tbsp. l. diluted in 10 liters of water. One glass of fertilizer is enough for one container of tomatoes.

Features of the second feeding

The second transplant of tomato seedlings is done so that the plant has a developed root system and the bush does not stretch upward. In pots with plenty of space, water does not stagnate. In addition, they contain more air.

An additional advantage of the second picking is getting rid of possible pests in the soil.

How to do it:

1. It is carried out after the first pick, 20 days later.
2. The picking container should be 2 times larger than the previous pot.
3. Watering the seedlings should be done 24 hours in advance, and only then replant the tomatoes.
4. The best way to disembark is transshipment.
5. For the first days, seedlings should be kept in a dark place.
6. After transshipment, the vegetable crop is watered with water at room temperature.
7. The next watering is after 7 days, and thereafter - as needed.
8. Gradually, the plants begin to be taken out into the fresh air, thus hardening them. This is best done in the afternoon.

Feeding should be done 14 days after transplantation. To make the composition you need to mix 1 tbsp. l. wood ash, superphosphate and 10 liters of water. To feed one pot, it will be enough to water it with one glass of the resulting solution.

Features of transplanting seedlings to a permanent place

When planting plants in a permanent place, you should pay attention to the following features:

1. Before planting, it is necessary to cut off the three lower leaves from the seedlings. This is done three days before transplantation.
2. Watering tomatoes stops in three days.
3. The wells should be prepared: 1 tbsp is introduced into them. l. superphosphate and water generously.
4. The depth of the planting holes should be slightly greater than the height of the pot.
5. Plants are carefully hilled on all sides.
6. After planting, the tomatoes are watered with water at room temperature.

By following all the recommendations for replanting tomatoes, even a novice vegetable grower can grow a healthy plant and, as a result, a bountiful and high-quality harvest.

The process of planting vegetable crops is not particularly difficult and is accessible to everyone.