Good seedlings are the key to a future crop and its foundation. It is not easy to grow it, 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 proper application ensures good growth and development. Healthy seedlings tolerate planting well in the soil and give a plentiful harvest.
When to feed seedlings
Fertilizer for seedlings must be applied no earlier than a month after germination. This is especially important if the foliage is too light or purple. Also, from a lack of fertilizer, the tips of the leaves can dry out. For better plant growth, periodically pour earth into the pots.
This will contribute to the formation of new roots and give seedlings additional nutrients. Not more often 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 as not to fall on the leaves. Too much fertilizer can adversely affect the state of seedlings, so you must observe the measure.
Fertilizer form
Fertilizer for seedlings is available in several forms. Firstly, these are liquid substances. They can be considered the most optimal. Secondly, these are granules, tablets or powders that need to be dissolved in water before use. The third option is bulk fertilizer for seedlings of pepper, tomatoes and other vegetables. But this species is distinguished by high consumption and small packaging. In terms of effectiveness, these fertilizers do not differ. It all depends on the composition, and not on the form of release.
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. For seedlings, only the chelate form is suitable . Sulphates to developing plants are unnecessary and even harmful.
Therefore, if sulfate or the 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 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 of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other plants, because each vegetable needs its own complex of nutrients. Complex preparations usually have a liquid form.
They include salts, 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 salts and various chemical elements. Complex fertilizers are usually 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, eggplant, 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, are easily soluble in water and have a deoxidizing effect on the soil.
Ammonium and ammonia fertilizers for seedlings change the soil composition to acidic. They contain up to 21 percent nitrogen. It is necessary to introduce them with caution, especially in case of top dressing 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 a double and simple superphosphate. The next group contains a substance that does not dissolve in water, but in weak acid. But these drugs are not used in suburban areas. The last group is slightly soluble in water (phosphoric flour), but is great for neutralizing the soil.
Potash fertilizers are
potassium chloride,
potassium sulfate and potassium salt. They are highly soluble in water and are well suited for feeding.
Fertilizers available
Fertilizer for seedlings of flowers and vegetables can be very affordable. Wood ash can be called a complex preparation, which is always at hand. It contains potassium, iron, silicon, calcium, sulfur and phosphorus. Ash perfectly reduces the acidity of the soil and is valid for 2-2.5 years. In the soil for seedlings, this fertilizer is applied in small quantities. Manure and humus are also affordable and cheap top dressing. But they must be used with caution, especially for seedlings.
Fertilizers for tomatoes
Each plant requires a certain set of substances for active growth and fruiting. Fertilizer for tomato seedlings must be selected depending on the stage of development. The most effective drug is superphosphate. It is best suited for feeding tomatoes. Superphosphate reduces soil acidity. Magnesium, which is part of it, contributes to the rapid growth of nightshade crops.
It is released in granules or in the form of a powder that dissolves well in water. Mineral preparations, for example, โKrepyshโ, are often used for seedlings (a fertilizer that is universal). As a top dressing for tomatoes, you can take nitroammofosku. It contains everything necessary for the growth of these plants. Peat, humus, manure and wood ash are excellent fertilizers for tomatoes, but they must be used with care. The first top dressing of tomato seedlings should be carried out 15 days after planting. It can be any complex preparation, for example, nitroammophosk or โFortressโ 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 transplanting seedlings into the ground.
Fertilizer for pepper seedlings
It is very easy to grow pepper seedlings at home and even on the windowsill. The technology is no different from planting other vegetables, such as tomatoes. After the appearance of the first sprouts, on the 10-15th day, you can spend the first top dressing. It is very important to choose the right fertilizer for seedlings of pepper.
The optimal drugs are "Fortress", "Agricola", "Kemira Combi" and some others. It is better if it is a complex fertilizer. Very well pepper seedlings tolerate
foliar top dressing. Plants are sprayed early in the morning. If the leaves of the seedlings are yellow, then urea, which contains nitrogen, should be used as fertilizer. Further dressing should be carried out after planting in open ground.
Features of fertilizer application
Fertilizer for seedlings must be applied with caution. Too much can only harm 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 bring in nutrients in the morning when the soil has optimum temperature. If the land is dry, it is better to use liquid fertilizers and replace them with watering. If the soil is dense, then it must be carefully loosened. After fertilizing, you need to monitor the reaction of seedlings and reduce or increase the dose if you see changes for the worse. It must be remembered that plants love not only root dressing, 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.