Rules for watering tomato seedlings

Tomatoes are a heat-loving culture of intensive growth, the development of which depends on the observance of temperature and water regimes, the balance of the necessary substances in the soil. To get a good crop, you need to know how to properly water tomato seedlings.

Rules for watering tomato seedlings

Water quality, frequency and timing of irrigation, nutritional supplements – all this matters for the valuable development of young plants.

Irrigation rules

Tomatoes are required to moisten the soil due to the structure of their root system. It extends from 30-50 cm to 2 m, and numerous side roots. Thus, proper nutrition is carried out both due to the upper layer of the earth, and due to layers located at a considerable depth. Drying of the soil prevents the absorption of nutrients, and waterlogging leads to a lack of oxygen, rotting of the roots, and the development of diseases.

How to water tomato seedlings at home properly, even before planting on the site:

• use rain (thawed) or standing water;
• pour warm water (20- 25 ° С);
• increase the norms of water consumption as the plants grow (seedlings – 1 l, during flowering – 2 l, during the formation of ovaries – 3-5 l per plant);
• it is better to water rarely, but plentifully than often and superficially;
• humidification of the earth by spraying is permissible at the stage of seed germination or when the upper layers of the soil dry out during extreme heat;
• not allow the priest moisture and dirt on the leaves;
• the best time for watering is morning;
• the container in which the plants grow should have drainage holes so that the water does not stagnate.

These are the most general guidelines. At each stage of cultivation, the irrigation requirements will differ.

Features of irrigation

For different stages of cultivation, a specific irrigation regime is characteristic.

Seedlings

Seeding of tomato seeds is carried out in moist soil to a shallow depth. To save moisture, cover the tray with glass or film. The earth is moistened daily with a spray gun, but no excess moisture is allowed.

With the advent of friendly shoots, the film is removed and watering is stopped for 2-3 days, so that the plants become stronger. Further, the irrigation regimen is changed: sprouts are irrigated once a week; if the soil dries quickly, more often.

After the appearance of the first true leaves, the need for water increases. Since there is an active development of the root system, it is necessary to ensure uniform moistening of the soil layers. You can check the quality of irrigation in an opaque container using a wooden stick.

Pikivka

1-2 days before the dive, seedlings are irrigated so that the soil is moist but loose. The first 4-5 days dive bushes are not watered. It is necessary to let the plants take root, and the ground should be moist enough to provide the need for young tomatoes in the water.

How often should sprinkled pickled tomato seedlings be watered? The frequency depends on the drying rate of the soil (usually 1 time per week for 10 days). To stimulate the development of a powerful root system, it is recommended to water through the pan.

Landing in open ground

Before planting tomato bushes in a permanent place in a greenhouse or garden bed, they are abundantly watered for 3-4 days. Due to this, the roots are not injured, the transfer of plants with an earthen lump provides their faster adaptation.

Seedlings are not watered for a week: you need to let them take root in a new place. Further, the soil is moistened as necessary under the root, gradually increasing the rate.Frequent abundant watering creates favorable conditions for the development of fungal diseases: reduce soil temperature, contribute to stagnation of water. Tomatoes are fed every 10-14 days after watering.

Nutritional supplements in watering

To make the tomatoes grow strong, seedlings are watered both with industrial preparations and with home medicine cabinet.

Kornevin

Phytohormones and trace elements are included in the composition of Kornevin, which:

• contribute to the formation of a branched and strong root system;
• reduce stress from transplantation;
• increase the resistance of seedlings in conditions of temperature and humidity.

The drug is used When transplanting tomatoes and dive in open ground. It is bred in accordance with the instructions and used on the same day.

Seedlings with 2-3 real leaves are transplanted from trays into glasses. This is done so that a small indentation forms near the stem. After compaction of the land, the seedling is watered with water, and then with Kornevin. The formed wells will not allow to exceed the dose.

In a similar way, the stimulant is also used when planting seedlings in open ground. An overdose of the drug is harmful: it can inhibit the development of plants.

A phytostimulator similar to Kornevin is prepared at home. To do this, cut thin willow branches into cuttings 20-25 cm long, place them in a tall dish and pour boiling water.After 48 hours of insisting, the drug is ready.

Since Kornevin belongs to hazard class III substances, you can work with it only using personal protective equipment.

Liquid ammonia

Aqueous solution of ammonia (liquid ammonia) – a drug that is in every home medicine cabinet. The high nitrogen content (more than 40% by weight), and in a form convenient for plants to assimilate, allows the use of ammonia for emergency assistance with nitrogen starvation of plants. Its advantages:

• cheap;
• they can’t overfeed the plants, the excess will not accumulate;
• alkaline reaction of the substance supports the health of the soil (excess acid inhibits beneficial microorganisms ).

The solution will help saturate the tomatoes with nitrogen

Watering the tomato seedlings is carried out with a weak solution of ammonia 2 weeks after the dive. For its preparation, 2 tbsp. l ammonia is diluted in 10 liters of water. Top dressing is applied after watering under the root with a weak stream. The procedure is repeated after 2 weeks.

A number of signs testify to the lack of nitrogen:

• the lower leaves turn yellow and grow smaller;
• the stem becomes thin and brittle;
• seedlings are stunted.

A solution of ammonia is also used to control pests. To destroy aphids, bushes are treated.To scare away the bear, an ammonia solution is added to the hole before planting the seedlings from the pots.

Hydrogen peroxide

Fungal diseases are dangerous for tomato seedlings. Gardeners care about the better to water tomato seedlings for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Hydrogen peroxide has a bactericidal effect. Its solution is used for:

• the destruction of pathogens, pests on plants and in the soil (due to the oxidizing effect);
• soil aeration (the solution is unstable, oxygen is released during decomposition);
• improve the quality of tap water (reacts with organics, pesticides).

The peroxide solution has been successfully used to seed treatment. They are placed in a 10% solution for 20 minutes. To increase germination, immunity, practice soaking seeds before sowing for 12 hours. After they are washed with water and dried to a friable state. Soaking in a peroxide solution can replace pickling with potassium permanganate.

The drug is used for root hygiene. Washing with peroxide helps eliminate rot, and spraying helps late blight. The solution for the treatment of late blight is prepared in the following proportions: 1 tbsp. l peroxide and 40 drops of iodine in a bucket of water. To water tomato seedlings, 60 ml of hydrogen peroxide are dissolved in 3 liters of water.

This solution is also useful for caring for home plants.

Wood ash

Wood ash has long been considered a valuable fertilizer for garden crops.

It contains a large amount of potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Only the product of burning natural organic residues is used.

Fertilizing with ashes allows tomatoes:

• to build green mass;
• to resist fungal diseases;
• to form ovaries in a timely manner .

Ash is used in the form of powder and liquid top dressing. Scattered ash helps fight slugs even at the first sign of a black leg (common damage to tomatoes). Ash solution, prepared from 1 teaspoon of fertilizer and 1 liter of water and aged for 24 hours, it is used for seed dressing. After soaking in this solution for 5-6 hours, they germinate better.

Recommendations

• In order for the planted tomatoes to take root better, the bushes are strong, they need to be poured with ashes. You can add dry ashes when preparing the holes.
• Saturation of the soil with fertilizer will make potassium and phosphorus inaccessible plants.
• A great alternative to fungicides for the control of late blight is the processing of tomatoes with kefir, they say eye (solution with the addition of iodine), whey.

Conclusion

Proper care is the key to a good tomato crop. The health and development of plants depends on timely and high-quality watering of tomato seedlings.