The future crop depends on the quality of seedlings, so poor seedling growth and wilting of leaves is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: the soil condition and even the care conditions created in the greenhouse. Tomato seedlings grow poorly in cramped conditions, in untreated soil and without fertilizers. Having considered all the common causes of withering of seedlings, the gardener will preserve the future crop.
Why tomato seedlings do not grow or grow poorly:
- the temperature regime is not observed;
- insufficient nutrition;
- not enough nutrients and vitamins.
It is important that the right conditions are created before planting tomatoes in the greenhouse: first of all, before planting, the soil and all equipment are cleaned of harmful microorganisms.
Particular attention is paid to the temperature regime in the room, as soon as the first shoots appear, the culture boxes are cleaned in a cool place. During the day, the temperature should not drop to 10-14 ° C. The optimum temperature regime is 18 ° C during the day and 13 ° C at night, otherwise the seedlings will quickly dry out or begin to wither.
A bush develops well and is sprayed with non-fat milk. This procedure will help to avoid fungal diseases in seedlings. A plant sprouts poorly, planted in untreated soil or in unfertilized soil (dry land without any minerals and vitamins). Whatever the reason for the poor growth of seedlings, it must be eliminated, otherwise it will not be possible to get a good harvest.
What growth depends on
Only 3 factors affect the seedlings growth: conditions created in a greenhouse or in an open area, care and treatment of bushes. The problem at each stage of seedling growth indicates the reason the plant withers quickly.
Tomato seedlings do not grow in depleted soil if the soil has been used for other crops for several years in a row, especially root crops. The nutrition of the stem and the development of the lashes depend on watering, and in the future, the appearance of the first inflorescences and greenery. A pick is very important, which is carried out until the main bush is formed. Pests and diseases of tomatoes can affect the growth and formation of the first ovaries of culture.
Soil quality
If the seedlings do not grow well, first of all, check the soil condition.
The soil determines the growth of the root system and main stem of tomatoes. If the qualitative characteristics of the soil are not suitable for seedling growth, the leaves begin to fade, root rot appears. Another sign of poor soil is the bluish tint of seedlings. The leaves turn blue if there is not enough magnesium in the soil.
Lack of nitrogen can cause a stop growth
Seedlings grow poorly due to a lack of nitrogen.
The microelement is especially important for strengthening the plant, growing seedlings in a full bush. Nitrogen enriches the soil with oxygen and saturates the root system with it. Without nitrogen, a weak, deformed bush and small fruits are formed – it is impossible to harvest a good crop under such conditions. The main symptom of a lack of nitrogen is the depletion of leaves and stems.
Solving the problem
Magnesium helps the tomato root system develop if there is a deficiency of such an important element in the soil, a plant rapidly weakening.
Getting magnesium from natural products at home is very difficult. It’s easier to buy magnesium-containing fertilizers that are suitable for feeding soil under tomatoes. Magnesium is sold in powder or granules.They are bred with water: the resulting mixture is irrigated around the bush and neighboring crops. To dilute the mixture to the desired concentration, use the instructions (it is necessary to adhere to exact proportions).
What to do if there is not enough nitrogen in the soil:
- fertilize with urea;
- fertilize with wood ash;
- fertilize with purchased nitrogen-containing powders.
Nitrogen is sold in the form of a powder, soluble in water. To dilute the fertilizer use warm purified water (1 tbsp. L fertilizer per 10 l of water).
If the seedlings do not grow due to a lack of nitrogen, fertilizer is applied 2 times a week for a month.
Use a nitrogen-containing additive for tomatoes to be careful: an excess of nitrogen in the soil will harm the fruits. It is important to follow the instructions for the fertilizer purchased. If the topsoils are sprinkled with wood ash, seedlings growth is gradually restored.
Improper watering
If there are no problems with the soil, but the seedlings of planted tomatoes still grow poorly, you need to review care. If the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow, the tomato does not have enough moisture or too much of it. This leads to decay of the root system of the future tomato bush.
Watering seedlings is signed according to the schedule: no more than 2 times a week during the period of active growth of tomatoes. Before planting seedlings, the soil is abundantly watered and fertilized; the next watering occurs no earlier than a week later.The crop does not grow if excess moisture leads to rotting of the roots.
Solving the problem
If you cannot determine the required amount of moisture for the tomatoes, you need to check the quality of the soil. If the earth is dry, water is added, if moisture is not absorbed, watering is temporarily stopped.
Installing an irrigation system will help to solve the problem. Drip or stand-alone irrigation will protect the seedlings from excess or lack of moisture.
The moisture level varies depending on the planting location: on the south side, moisture evaporates faster, and in the shade, irrigation water can stagnate at the root system. It is necessary to take into account the temperature regime of the environment and the moisture level in the region where the crop is planted.
Wrong picking
The growth of plants is affected by the quality of the pick
The pick is the removal of the final part of the core root. This procedure stimulates the branching of the root system and accelerates the growth of tomato bushes. If the pick was not carried out correctly or the plant after the procedure did not receive proper care, the seedlings either do not grow at all, or do it very slowly.
Causes of seedlings not growing fast enough:
- the root system was bent incorrectly;
- the roots were cut too far during the procedure;
- damage roots during landing in the soil;
- the roots were poorly wrung out, resulting in an air layer in the soil.
It is important to dive in accordance with all the rules: any damage to the root system Tomatoes can lead to the death of the crop. After picking, the plant does not rise well, then it is necessary to check the state of the root system and improve its nutrition.
For the entire subsequent period after the procedure, the soil is abundantly watered and fertilized. They use natural fertilizers or mineral complexes to accelerate the development of the main stem.
Diseases of the tomatoes
Diseases of the stem and root of tomatoes are the main problem of gardeners. Fungal diseases and infections affect the culture at any stage of development. Diseases are the main factor why seedlings do not grow or lose juice quickly. Common problems:
- root rot;
- blackleg;
- late blight.
Excessive watering of the crop or low ambient temperature leads to the appearance of root and basal rot. With this disease, the seedling does not grow for a long time and gradually rots.
An infectious disease (black leg) quickly develops and transfers to neighboring cultures.It is dangerous for the entire garden, therefore it is difficult to treat.
Solving the problem
What should I do if the seedlings become infected? If seedlings have suffered from root and root rot, they should be immediately transplanted into a new, cleaned and disinfected soil. Heavily affected by rot plants throw away. The soil after a diseased culture is replaced with soil washed with a solution of potassium permanganate.
To clean the stems, they use “Fitosporin”, an effective and safe purchased preparation. They process the whole culture. From the black leg the plant is treated with a solution of manganese potassium. Planted close to each other seedlings are planted to a friend.
The room where the plants grow is well ventilated.
Save the softened stem with a dark leg is possible only at the initial stage of the disease.
Pests and insects
Seedlings of tomatoes do not grow due to pests. Among them, the most dangerous are spider mites, wood lice or earwig. The leaves of a seedling that has been attacked by pests turn yellow, their edges are deformed: holes or dark spots appear.
Fitoverm or Aktellik can help the culture. The funds are used strictly according to the instructions.
Processing of the land occurs on a large scale: diseased crops and neighboring plants are sprayed. An integrated approach will help get rid of pests and protect the future crop.
Insecticides are used carefully, especially during the period of active growth of seedlings. Processing should only be carried out by a professional.
