Despite the fact that the seedling method in vegetable growing is a very laborious process, it is used by most gardeners. Planting seeds in open ground is a simple and convenient way, but it is effective only in certain climatic zones. In Siberia, it is practically useless to sow heat-loving crops in open ground, because they still do not have time to grow fruits for the short period of warm time that they have left.
The urgent issue for many remains seed germination. The further development of the plant depends on how effectively this task is completed . Germination can increase the percentage of germination, increase the viability of seedlings, accelerate their growth and development. Today we’ll talk about the various techniques that the gardener resorts to simplify this task.
Gardening basics
It would seem that there can be complicated. Germination of seeds occurs by itself. Simply place them in a humid and warm environment. But in reality, everything is not so simple at all. Seedlings turn out to be weak, then completely die. So, there are certain rules, observing which, you can significantly improve germination.
Germination of seeds should occur according to the characteristics of biology of vegetable crops. Before becoming a green sprout, a seed must go through a series of stages of its development. That is, he needs to swell, germinate and ascend. At each of these stages, he must be provided with optimal conditions. Only if you are guided by the needs of the plant, you can grow powerful seedlings and get a wonderful harvest.
Soak
Germination of seeds is performed using this simple method. Despite the various tricks with which the gardener tries to increase the effectiveness of his work, this does not change the essence. For the seed to wake up, he needs to ensure contact with moisture. Only after this the supply of nutrients is activated. Even the temperature or the presence of oxygen is not so important here, but water is the beginning of a new life. But their importance becomes decisive in the next stages.
Thus, let's summarize the above. Germination of seeds before planting requires the following conditions:
- necessary humidity;
- heat;
- air access;
- shine.
After the seeds have hatched, they can be sown in the ground. By maintaining optimal conditions, you will achieve rapid and friendly growth of seedlings.
Traditional way
He has his own strengths and weaknesses. But let's talk about everything in order. Each gardener has his own seed germination experience. Most often it is performed according to the classical scheme. Seeds are soaked in a bowl, and after swelling are transferred to a box with soil. Now it remains to maintain a suitable humidity and temperature so that the plants have an incentive to grow. To ensure the greenhouse effect, glass or a bag is used.
But gardeners often use other methods of growing seeds, which they think are not only more convenient, but also productive. Let's look at each of them so that you can make your own opinion.
Japanese method
It has not yet gained wide popularity, although it must be admitted that it is quite progressive. He recommended himself well for growing cucumbers. Therefore, you can safely take into service. Sawdust is taken for this. They should be from hardwood and always stale. Fresh for these purposes are not suitable, like coniferous sawdust.
Now the procedure itself. It is very uncomplicated, every gardener may well master it. A shallow container is filled with sawdust and spilled with hot water. It is necessary to wait a little while the substrate is saturated with water. In parallel, it cools down. That is, the temperature becomes comfortable for planting seeds.
Now it's time to plant the seeds. If they are naturally endowed with a dense protective shell, then there is the following trick to accelerate germination. To do this, each seed needs to be clamped between the scissor handles and gently pressed so that it opens. Do not overdo it, it does not need to be flattened at all. After that, the seeds are laid out on the surface, sprinkled with dry sawdust. Depth of embedment no more than 5 mm.
The container must be put in a warm place and closed with polyethylene. It is important to properly care for seedlings, so as not to let them stretch out. To do this, you need to temper the seedlings, that is, lower the air temperature.
Seedling without land
Not everyone wants to force window sills with boxes of earth from early spring. It is not too aesthetically pleasing and creates some inconvenience. Therefore, gardeners went even further and found a way to grow seedlings without land. Moreover, the quality of seedlings is excellent. Seed germination conditions are not too burdensome for the host. Moreover, this method has several advantages:
- To place seedlings requires very little space.
- The root system is very strong, much better than that of plants that are grown in the ground.
- Very good and germination of seeds.
- In terms of fruiting speed, such plants overtake by about a week those that are grown in a classical way.
- Almost excluded the likelihood of black leg disease.
Cons of Alternative Ways
When the seeds hatch in nutrient soil, they immediately begin to extract nutrients. In this case, the root system will develop in accordance with the quantity and quality of these substances in the soil. What do we see in the case of seedless germination:
- Seedlings do not receive nutrients and require constant feeding.
- If you overexpose sprouts, then the roots will cease to develop, and the trunks will stretch. And as a result, the seedlings will be completely unviable.
- After the appearance of the first true leaves, a dive into the ground cannot be avoided. That is, the plants will still take their place on your windowsill.
Landless method of growing seedlings
If you still have not heard about seed germination in toilet paper, then this method can be a real discovery for you. It is quite simple and very convenient, while it does not require costly devices. All you need is already at your fingertips. The basis will be a regular roll of toilet paper. But for convenience, it is recommended to use auxiliary material, which will keep it in shape. There are several ways, each of which has its own characteristics.
In a plastic bottle
This is the easiest way that you can practice on your windowsill every spring. It takes a minimum of time, and you can immediately see all the sprouts, ready for further development. Will need to prepare:
- Big bottle. You can take 2 liters, but it is better to use a capacity of 5 liters.
- Toilet paper.
- Plastic bag.
- Knife.
- Water.
- Seeds
The bottle must be cut in half. Lay several layers of paper on the bottom and moisten it with water. After that, spread the seeds on the surface and pack the container in polyethylene. Be sure to make several holes so that air enters the seeds.
Seed germination conditions are common. You need to put a greenhouse on the window, where it will be warm and light. The greenhouse effect eliminates the need to water plants. At the same time, the rate of seed germination increases several times. Already on the third day, the first shoots may appear. But you need to consider that there is no soil layer, therefore, as soon as the development of the root system begins, it will be necessary to transplant the seedlings into another pot.
Moscow method
Germinating seeds in toilet paper is done in many ways. The above has its pros and cons, but it is not the only one. It is very convenient to use improvised greenhouses created on the basis of oilcloth and paper. You will need improvised material that does not require material investments:
- Toilet paper.
- Oilcloth. You can take tight bags or a piece of film that has remained from last season.
- Water.
- Scissors.
- Seeds
- Capacity for received rolls with seeds. It may be a cropped plastic bottle.
- Sawdust.
Greenhouse preparation
From oilcloth, you need to cut strips 12 cm wide. Any can be long, this does not affect the result. They need to be laid out on the surface of the table and lined with toilet paper on top. Sprinkle it with water and spread the seeds at 4 cm intervals. Spread the seeds closer to the middle. On top you need to cover with another layer of paper and spray again. Cover with another strip of film. It remains only to carefully roll the roll and secure it with an elastic band.
At the bottom of the cut plastic bottle, you need to pour sawdust and pour a little water. Now we place rolls in it. Put on the bag on top, but as soon as the first sprouts appear, you will need to remove it. When the plants are old enough, they can be dived. Typically, tomato seed germination is performed in this manner. About 2-3 cm is the optimal size.
Laminate snail
There are plants that normally tolerate the transplant procedure. But others are extremely painful experiencing a pick, they are ill and can die. Germination of pepper seeds should be done delicately enough so as not to damage the delicate roots. For this, a substrate cut into stripes under a laminate is perfect. It is cut into strips and then all the procedures are performed as in the previous example.
What is the difference? You can do without a pick. To do this, when the sprouts reach 2-3 cm, you need to carefully deploy the cochlea, sprinkle it with earth and fold again. So that the earth does not crumble, it should be slightly moist. Now the obtained snails will be installed on the pallet and do not forget to water on time.
What is this method good for: seedlings in the “rolls” can be kept until it is strong enough, it does not need to be picked - you can immediately plant it in the ground. There is no need to feed the plants - in good soil there is everything they need.
Instead of a conclusion
Growing seedlings on the windowsill is not an easy task. Today we examined several ways by which you can greatly simplify your life. Empirically, you can choose for yourself the one that will be the most convenient. Fertilizers can be used to improve plant growth and development.