When and how to plant seedlings in a greenhouse and open ground
Miscellaneous / / April 22, 2022
Lifehacker's tips will help you choose the best moment for transplanting and prepare plants for new conditions.
How to understand that seedlings are ready for transplanting
Before moving to a permanent place of residence, the plants must get stronger. As a rule, they are ready for planting in open ground or a greenhouse in 50-70 days from the moment of germination. By this time, the seedlings have time to develop a root system and strong shoots.
You can also learn about readiness for new conditions by the appearance of the seedlings. If the plant has 6–10 true leaves, its height reaches 20–30 cm, and the thickness of the stem is 0.5–0.7 cm, then feel free to prepare it for moving.
The timing of planting seedlings depends on where exactly you are going to grow vegetables.
When to plant seedlings in a greenhouse
If you are an advanced greenhouses with a heating system, it will not be difficult to create the necessary conditions, even if there is still snow on the street. But in the case of ordinary greenhouses, you need to wait for the right moment to plant seedlings. There are no universal terms - it all depends on the climatic conditions in your area. But the basic rules are:
- The air in the greenhouse should warm up to 15 ºC during the day and 8 ºC at night.
- The optimum soil temperature is 12–15 ºC.
Such conditions are suitable for seedlings of tomatoes, peppers and cabbage. Cucumbers and eggplants are more thermophilic, so you should not rush to move them - the soil temperature at night should not fall below 18 ºC.
When to plant seedlings in open ground
As in the case of a greenhouse, the timing of planting depends on the climatic features of your region. It is important not only to wait for a suitable air and soil temperature, but also to protect the seedlings from spring frosts. As a rule, in central Russia such a threat passes in the second half of May.
In this case, the soil should warm up to at least 15 ºC. Experienced summer residents check with birch trees: if the tree began to produce leaves, then the ground is already warm enough. You can safely plant peppers, tomatoes and cabbage. But eggplants and cucumbers need more favorable conditions: the soil temperature is not lower than 18 ºC, and the air temperature is not lower than 20 ºC.
Radish, greenery and many types of lettuce are considered cold-resistant crops: their seeds germinate even in slightly warm soil - just 2 ºC is enough. They feel great at low temperatures and can withstand slight frosts. In many regions of Russia, radishes and greens are planted already in April.
How to prepare seedlings for planting
So that moving to a greenhouse or open ground does not lead to the death of plants, they need to be prepared for new conditions. 10-15 days before the planned transplants start hardening the shoots. First, it is worth well ventilating the room where the seedlings are standing. After a couple of days, take it out to the balcony for 1-2 hours, then daily increase this period by an hour. Before planting in a permanent place, your seedlings should spend the whole day on the balcony.
Also gradually accustom the plants to natural light - you do not need to immediately expose them to the bright spring sun, it can burn their leaves.
Read also🌱🍅🍆
- How to get rid of moles in the area
- What fertilizer to apply to the soil in spring
- When and how to dive seedlings of peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and cabbage
- How to protect yourself from garden pests: 9 proven remedies
- 10 lamps for the garden or vegetable garden for every taste
Best deals of the week: discounts in Yandex Market, MIF, AliExpress and other stores