Why do you need to pick seedlings, and what does it mean, how to do it correctly

Picking seedlings is an important part of the plant growing process. It is of great importance for their further development and health. The procedure allows you to strengthen the roots and create favorable conditions for plant growth. However, to achieve maximum results when picking, it is necessary to take into account many factors - from choosing the right soil to the optimal timing of the procedure.

How is picking useful?

Picking seedlings is the process of transplanting plants from small containers or seeds into large pots or boxes.

When moving seedlings, pinch the root of the plant to 1/3 of its length in order to stimulate the growth of lateral roots and ensure better absorption of nutrients from the soil.

One of the main advantages of the procedure is strengthening the roots of plants. During the period of relocation, the root system begins to actively develop, and the transferred shoots begin to quickly take root in the new environment. This gives them a strong root system, which allows them to better absorb nutrients and water and withstand periods of drought.

In addition, picking contributes to the formation of a strong stem. Moving the sprouts into separate pots or containers allows them to have more space to grow, which encourages stem development. As a result, they become resistant to damage and deformation, which is especially important for those specimens that will be planted in open ground.

Another advantage is the ability to control the growth and development of crops. Transferring them to individual containers allows you to obtain seedlings of uniform size, which simplifies further care for them. In addition, this approach allows you to obtain accurate data on the number of healthy plants, which is important for planning planting in a certain area, as well as to reject non-viable specimens.

Finally, picking will significantly speed up the ripening of sprouts and reduce the risk of diseases. Healthy and strong specimens obtained as a result of relocation grow faster and better withstand periods of stress. In addition, they are less susceptible to diseases.

Negative consequences

Picking is a necessary procedure for growing healthy and strong plants. However, like any other procedure, it also has negative consequences.

Firstly, the process itself is quite traumatic, especially if it is performed incorrectly. Failure to follow the rules will result in damage to the roots and stems, which will slow down growth and development.

Secondly, some plants are very sensitive to transplantation, which leads to severe stress and reduced viability.

Which plant needs picking?

There are many crops that do not require picking seedlings, but are immediately planted in the soil. However, it is still recommended to grow some plants through picking seedlings to obtain better results and strong, healthy plants.

Among the crops that often dive are:

1. Tomatoes - the procedure helps to form a strong root system and strengthen the stem, which leads to large and healthy fruits.
2. Zucchini - promotes the formation of strong plant mass and also strengthens the root system.
3. Melon, watermelon and pumpkin - helps to form large and strong fruits, and also strengthens the root system.
4. Cucumber – helps develop a large root system, and also strengthens the stem and increases resistance to diseases.
5. Flowers – Some types of flowers, such as carnations, aster, petunia and lobelia, are also often moved to produce healthy, strong plants with better ornamental properties.

Some crops are not suitable for transplanting because they are either very sensitive to transplanting or do not tolerate transplanting at all. Below is a list of such crops:

• carrot;
• onion;
• garlic;
• peas;
• beans;
• corn;
• potato.

If you plan to grow any of these crops, then the seedlings should be sown immediately in the ground instead of picking.

Choosing the time to pick

Approximately three weeks after the sprouts appear and 3-4 full-fledged leaves appear, transplantation is carried out with pinching of the roots. It is recommended not to touch the plants before this period and not to be late with picking.

In addition to improving crop growth, replanting with root pinching is carried out in the following cases:

• when seedlings grow too densely, which interferes with their normal development;
• when the sprouts begin to hurt and die, and healthy seedlings need to be saved;
• when the growth of seedlings is excessively rapid, and it prematurely stretches in height.

When to carry out the process also depends on several factors. Firstly, from a specific plant. Different cultures have their own timing. For example, for tomatoes and peppers, relocation is carried out when the seedlings reach 7-10 cm in height and have 2-3 true leaves. For cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, this is done when the sprouts reach 3-4 cm in height and have 2 true leaves.

Practical ways

There are three most convenient and practical ways to carry out the procedure:

1. Picking seedlings using the pike method is a transplanting process that requires a pike or other sharp tool.You need to make a small hole in the new soil. Then, using a pick or other sharp tool, make a small hole in the center of the hole to accommodate the root.
2. The finger method is one of the simplest and most effective methods. To carry out the picking you will need your own fingers.
3. To perform the bar procedure, you need to take a bar that should be about the same length as the old container and about the same width as the new container. The plank should be placed on the old container, after which you need to turn it over with the plant so that the roots are on top. Then you should carefully remove the seedlings from the old container, holding them by the roots, and place them on the bar.

Preparing the container

To pick seedlings, you need special containers, such as plastic or clay pots, containers, boxes or special peat tablets. Containers must be clean and disinfected to prevent the growth of pathogens and infections.

Before using containers, they must be washed with hot water and soap or special disinfectants must be used. After washing, the containers must be thoroughly dried.

In addition, a good drainage system should be provided to avoid water retention, which leads to rotting of the roots. Coarse sand or crushed stone is used as drainage.

Preparing the soil

Before picking, the soil must be ready for use. Prepare fresh, nutritious soil that contains all the necessary minerals for plant growth. Some plant seedlings in ready-made purchased soil, while others prepare it themselves using a mixture of peat, humus and sand.

The soil should be moist, but not too wet, as excess moisture will cause the roots to rot. To soften the soil, place it near a window and leave it in the sun for several hours, periodically mowing and turning it. Organic fertilizers such as humus or compost are also added to the soil.

Step-by-step instruction

Moving plants to a new location is a multi-step process that requires certain skills. To complete this procedure, you must follow the following steps in sequence:

1. Water. This is a mandatory step and does not depend on which picking method will be used.
2. Determine the planting depth so that the plant is not cramped and the root system can develop freely in the new environment.
3. Carefully remove the specimen from the old pot.
4. Pinch the root by a third. This will allow the sprout to receive more nutrients and strengthen the root system.
5. Replant into a new, larger pot, carefully straightening the roots and filling the hole with soil.

Depending on the type of crop and growing conditions, the picking process is slightly different. For example, sometimes it is necessary to pour water into the hole before transplanting or water the seedlings after the procedure. However, it must be remembered that the main stages remain unchanged and the correct implementation of each of them guarantees successful transplantation and the continued health of the plants.

Care after picking

Caring for seedlings after the procedure is extremely important to ensure plant health and productivity. Here are a few steps that will allow you to properly care for seedlings after picking:

1. Water the seedlings regularly. However, avoid overwatering as this will cause the roots to rot.
2. Fertilize your seedlings regularly. Use special fertilizer for seedlings and follow the instructions on the package.
3. Maintain optimal temperature and lighting. Make sure the seedlings are in a warm, brightly lit area, but avoid direct sunlight.
4. Ventilate the seedlings. Seedlings need constant access to fresh air for healthy growth.
5. Remove weak specimens. After picking, some plants will not survive the procedure and will begin to wither. Remove weak shoots so that they do not inhibit the growth of the rest of the seedlings.
6. Final transplant. After the seedlings have grown and become stronger, they need to be transplanted to a permanent place in the open ground. At the same time, make sure that the ground is well warmed up and the danger of frost has passed.

Common mistakes made by newbies

Despite the fact that this procedure seems simple, it has its own subtleties:

1. Picking too early or too late. If the process is carried out too early, the plants will not yet be ready for transplantation and will die. On the other hand, if you are too late, they will outgrow and will not survive transplantation.
2. Using unsuitable soil. Using unsuitable soil will cause plant disease and poor growth.
3. Wrong pot size. If the pot is too small, the roots will not develop properly, resulting in poor growth. On the other hand, if the pot is too large, the plant will grow too quickly and will not receive enough nutrients.
4. Wrong way to pull it out of the ground. If the roots are damaged, the plants will not survive transplantation.
5. Incorrect position in the new pot. Planting specimens too deep or too shallow will cause growth problems.
6. Insufficient soil moisture after replanting.
7. Apply fertilizer immediately after performing the procedure. Plants that receive excess fertilizer will become overly vulnerable to diseases and pests and will begin to overgrow.