2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
The quality of seedlings depends on many factors. The main component is the seedling container. Read how to choose, how to do it yourself, what the size of the seats should be
There are many options for seedlings on sale today. The choice depends on the timing of sowing, plant species, growing method (without picking). Let's consider the most popular ones.
Seedling boxes
The shops have a large selection of boxes. They are all made of plastic. The models have different dimensions and depths. You can choose the right size for your windowsill. Those who want to save money can construct a box from unnecessary planks.
The box is considered the most convenient form for sowing vegetables for picking, when the seeds have the same germination time. For example, if you're planting multiple varieties of tomatoes, you don't have to bother with multiple trays. When planting, marking of the grooves is made. After germination, you will know where which tomatoes have sprung up and there will be no confusion during planting.
Late sowing is done in the seedling box (April). They do not need to be seated in cups for growing. The box is deep enough for comfortable root development. In May, the seedlings will safely "leave" for permanent residence. All types of herbs are grown in the box: basil, parsley, arugula and others. And also flowers: marigolds, petunia, zinnia, sweet peas, etc.
Boxes are ideal for plants and you. You can easily carry it to another place, turn it over to the light. The optimum depth should be 8-10 cm. Width / length - any, so that they are convenient for placement in your home.
When purchasing, choose a seedling box with drainage holes and a tray to drain excess water. For DIY, make holes in the bottom and find the appropriate drip tray.
It is not recommended to grow crops in boxes that have a long growing season (eggplants, peppers, tomatoes) without further picking.
Cassettes and trays
The trays are made of thin plastic. These are small boxes with sides and partitions inside. The cassettes are sold separately or together with a pallet called "mini greenhouse". Cells are different 3, 5-7 cm, combined in 4-6 pieces.
Seedling trays and cassettes are light, cheap and compact. Each cell has a drainage hole. The softness of the material allows you to painlessly remove the seedlings (squeeze out the root ball). With careful handling, they can last for several years. Designed for picking or one-time cultivation before landing for permanent residence. Suitable for cabbage, cucumbers, flowers, spicy herbs.
The disadvantages of cassettes are the impossibility of long-term cultivation, a small amount of land, and quick drying out. And also thin walls crumple and break.
When purchasing, check the labeling data. Do not take from PVC (technical plastic is not environmentally friendly). Buy from harmless polystyrene plastic. The most convenient trays have 5-6 cells and a depth of 7-10 cm.
Peat pots
Peat tanks are designed for growing zucchini, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and other vegetable crops that are painful to transfer. They have a natural composition (70% peat, 30% paper), create a favorable background for an optimal water-air regime.
Peat pots have a reasonable price, are convenient for growing and planting. Planting for permanent residence is carried out without transshipment of the plant, but together with a pot, which then decomposes in the ground and serves as an additional fertilizer. Peat pots provide 100% survival rate.
Homemade containers
Without financial costs, everyone can make seedling containers with their own hands. This is the most practical and durable option. Use sour cream jars, yoghurt cups, cut plastic bottles. Some use eggshells, toilet paper rolls.
Ideal containers are obtained from milk / kefir bags. They have a uniform size and are installed without gaps in any box or box. Kefir-milk containers are cut across, if necessary, the cut parts are fastened with tape.
The most convenient size for sowing is 100 ml, for planting dived seedlings 400-500 ml. In such a "house" your seedlings will last until the end of May. When using homemade cups, do not forget to make holes in the bottom for excess water to escape. It is more convenient to pierce the plastic with a heated nail, the hole is melted and of a suitable size.
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