Many people believe that it is too late to plant tomato seedlings in March.
However, experienced summer residents do not agree with this, because everything depends on the approach and technologies that are used.
Therefore, it is worth figuring out when to sow tomato seedlings in March and what needs to be taken into account, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Optimal time for planting
Tomatoes are heat-loving plants, and to successfully grow seedlings, it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the region.
In March, when the days become longer and the temperatures begin to rise, it is the ideal time to sow tomatoes for seedlings.
In different regions these dates may be different, so it is recommended to focus on the weather forecast and climatic conditions of a particular area.
It is also worth understanding that everyone's growing conditions may be different. For example, what advice can you give someone if they are growing seedlings in a heated greenhouse?
Preparing the soil and containers
Before sowing tomatoes, it is necessary to prepare the soil and containers for seedlings. The soil should be
- fertile;
- loose;
- drained.
It is advisable to use special soils for vegetable seedlings or prepare a mixture of humus, peat and sand.
Containers for seedlings can be different: pots, trays, boxes, etc. The main thing is that they have holes for drainage and provide enough space for the roots of the plants.
The correct way to sow
Tomatoes can be sown either in pots or in a common box, placing the seeds at a distance of about 2-3 cm from each other.
The depth of seed placement is approximately 0.5-1 cm. After sowing, the soil should be moistened, but not flooded.
To speed up germination, you can cover the crops with film or glass and provide warmth and light during the day.
Caring for seedlings
Tomatoes require warmth, light and moisture to grow successfully. It is important to maintain optimal conditions for the seedlings by regularly ventilating the room and providing additional lighting when necessary.
After emergence, seedlings should be regularly fed with mineral fertilizers and the soil moisture level should be monitored.
Transplantation to open ground
After the seedlings have gained sufficient strength and grown to 10-15 cm in height, they can be transplanted into open ground. The optimal time for this is when the threat of frost is minimal and the soil warms up to 10-12 degrees Celsius.
Earlier we wrote about how to grow a tasty and sweet melon in your garden.