Good seedlings are the key to the future harvest and its basis. Growing it is not easy, and the quality depends on many factors. It is worth considering every nuance from choosing good seeds to top dressing. Fertilizer for seedlings is a necessary component. Its correct application ensures good growth and development. He althy seedlings tolerate planting in the ground well and give a bountiful harvest.
When to feed seedlings
Fertilizer for seedlings should be applied no earlier than a month after germination. This is especially important if the foliage is too light in color or purple. Also, from a lack of fertilizer, the tips of the leaves can dry out. For better plant growth, it is necessary to periodically pour earth into the pots.
This will promote the formation of new roots and give the seedlings additional nutrients. No more than once a week, liquid fertilizers containing micro and macro elements can be added for more intensive growth. Top dressing should be done with caution, pouring it under the root so that it does not fall on the leaves. Too much fertilizer can adversely affect the condition of the seedlings, so you need to follow the measure.
Form of fertilizer
Seedling fertilizer comes in several forms. First, they are liquid substances. They can be considered the most optimal. Secondly, these are granules, tablets or powders that must be dissolved in water before use. The third option is loose fertilizer for seedlings of peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables. But this type is characterized by high consumption and small packaging. In terms of effectiveness, these fertilizers do not differ. It all depends on the composition, not on the release form.
What to look for when choosing
The first thing to consider is the composition of the fertilizer, namely its main components and additional micro and macro elements. Only the chelated form is suitable for seedlings. Sulfates are not needed by developing plants and are even harmful.
Therefore, if sulfate or SO4 formula is present in the composition, then this fertilizer is not suitable for seedlings, we immediately remove it to the side. The second important point is the dosage of the application. For seedlings, it should be less. If the manufacturer indicates one quantity for any plants, then this raises doubts about the quality of the product.
Types of fertilizers
All fertilizers are divided into organic and inorganic. There are also complex drugs that are the most popular. It is very important to choose individual fertilizers for seedlings.tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other plants, because each vegetable needs its own complex of nutrients. Complex preparations are usually in liquid form.
They contain s alts, organic additives that have a beneficial effect on plant growth. Mineral fertilizer for seedlings of tomatoes and other vegetables are liquid or loose, instant. They consist of s alts and various chemical elements. Usually complex fertilizers are used, but there are supporters of only organic top dressing.
Mineral fertilizers
Modern mineral fertilizers are presented in a large assortment. They provide plants with stable growth, good nutrition and facilitate the work of the gardener. It is very convenient to use fertilizers for seedlings of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, other vegetables and even flowers. There are several types of mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen preparations include sodium and calcium nitrate. They contain up to 17.5 percent nitrogen, easily dissolve in water and have a deoxidizing effect on the soil.
Ammonium and ammonia fertilizers for seedlings change the composition of the soil to acidic. They contain up to 21 percent nitrogen. They must be introduced with caution, especially in the case of feeding seedlings. Urea and ammonium nitrate are the most important nitrogen fertilizers. They contain up to 46 percent nitrogen. Phosphorus preparations are distinguished by the degree of solubility. Water-soluble is double and simple superphosphate. Next groupcontains a substance that does not dissolve in water, but in a weak acid. But these drugs are not used in summer cottages. The last group is slightly soluble in water (phosphorus flour), but is excellent for soil neutralization. Potash fertilizers are potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium s alt. They are highly soluble in water and are good for top dressing.
Available fertilizers
Fertilizer for flower and vegetable seedlings can be very affordable. Wood ash can be called a complex preparation that is always at hand. It contains potassium, iron, silicon, calcium, sulfur and phosphorus. Ash perfectly reduces the acidity of the soil and acts for 2-2.5 years. In the soil for seedlings, this fertilizer is applied in small quantities. Manure and humus are also available and cheap top dressings. But they must be used with care, especially for seedlings.
Fertilizers for tomatoes
Each plant requires a certain set of substances for active growth and fruiting. Fertilizer for seedlings of tomatoes should be chosen depending on the stage of development. The most effective drug is superphosphate. It is best suited for feeding tomatoes. Superphosphate reduces the acidity of the soil. Magnesium, which is part of its composition, contributes to the rapid growth of crops related to nightshade.
It is produced in granules or in powder form, which dissolve well in water. Very often, mineral preparations are used, for example, "Krepysh", for seedlings (fertilizer, which isuniversal). As a top dressing for tomatoes, you can also take nitroammofoska. It contains everything necessary for the growth of these plants. Excellent fertilizers for tomatoes are peat, humus, manure and wood ash, but their use must be done with caution. The first feeding of tomato seedlings should be carried out 15 days after planting. It can be any complex preparation, for example, nitroammophoska or "Krepysh" for seedlings - fertilizer, reviews of which are only positive. After 10 days, top dressing is repeated. Use fertilizer and a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Further fertilizing should be done after planting the seedlings in the ground.
Fertilizer for pepper seedlings
Growing pepper seedlings at home and even on the windowsill is very easy. The technology is no different from planting other vegetables, such as tomatoes. After the appearance of the first shoots, on the 10-15th day, you can carry out the first feeding. It is very important to choose the right fertilizer for pepper seedlings.
The optimal preparations are "Krepysh", "Agricola", "Kemira Combi" and some others. It is better if it is a complex fertilizer. Pepper seedlings tolerate foliar feeding very well. Plants are sprayed early in the morning. If the leaves of the seedlings turn yellow, then urea, which contains nitrogen, should be used as a fertilizer. Further top dressing should be carried out after planting the plants in open ground.
Features of fertilization
Seedling fertilizer needs to be applied with care. Too bigthe amount can only harm the plants. In the soil, if it is fertile, there is everything necessary for their growth. As you develop, you need to respond to changes and make the necessary components.
Fertilize seedlings no more than twice a week. It is better to apply nutrients in the morning when the soil is at its optimum temperature. If the land is dry, then it is better to apply liquid fertilizers and replace watering with them. If the soil is dense, then you need to carefully loosen it. After fertilizing, you need to monitor the reaction of the seedlings and reduce or increase the dose if you see changes for the worse. It must be remembered that plants love not only root feeding, that is, fertilizing the soil. Sometimes it is useful for them to spray with a solution saturated with useful substances. Do not forget about fertilizing after planting seedlings in open ground.
