In this article we will talk about feeding pepper seedlings - how it is done and with what it can be done.
Pepper is a popular vegetable crop that is present in every garden. How high-quality the harvest will be depends on proper care throughout the entire period of growth and development. It is important to understand that peppers require care from sowing to harvest. At the same time, the most important is the initial stage. That is, you should get healthy and strong seedlings. Let's figure out how to get it, in particular, with feeding.
When to start feeding pepper seedlings: feeding schedule
Feeding pepper seedlings
It is immediately worth noting that feeding pepper seedlings is carried out in several ways. We'll talk about them later. At the very beginning, it is important to take into account that the feeding scheme involves four procedures:
- Before the pick . That is, when all the shoots appear, the first fertilizing is applied. It is aimed at making sprouts grow better, as well as strengthening the immunity of young plants.
- After the pick . Immediately after the picking is done, the peppers need feeding. It will allow them to better tolerate the transplant procedure. As a rule, complex fertilizers are used in this case. With their help, the seedlings become stronger.
- 1-2 weeks after the pick . At this stage, the plant’s immunity is strengthened and saturated with useful substances. This allows you to prepare the seedlings for open ground. Feeding is required so that the plants can take root in their new location without any problems.
It is worth noting that there is no specific date when fertilizing should be carried out. It all depends on your seedlings. Look at their appearance and health. Sometimes it is allowed to change the timing of fertilizer application.
Signs of nutritional deficiency in plants
The appearance of pepper is an indicator of soil composition, therefore, if there is an imbalance of nutrients and microelements in the soil, the plant will immediately respond to it with various changes in its condition. For example:
- The green part of the plant has lost its richness and has become pale green with yellow tints - a sign of nitrogen deficiency.
- The leaves have become curly, and yellow-gray spots have appeared on their surface - calcium and potassium are needed.
- There are few leaves on the bush, most of them have turned yellow and there is a tendency to fall off - you need to add nitrogen to reduce the amount of calcium in the soil.
- Slight blanching of the leaves is a lack of nitrogen.
- The leaves are rich green with a red or purple tint - pepper requires phosphorus.
Do not delay adding the necessary components to allow the crop to restore its nutritional balance and rehabilitate itself. The final fruitful result depends on your actions.
How do you know when it’s time to feed pepper seedlings?
As we have already said, feeding pepper seedlings is carried out when the plants need it. Usually the lack of nutrients is noticeable in appearance.
Signs of micronutrient deficiency are as follows:
- Phosphorus . The foliage first turns blue and then turns red. Moreover, the stems become thinner and the leaves curl
- Calcium . Seedlings develop more slowly, and gray spots appear on their leaves. This indicates an excess of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers and mixtures
- Iron . Along the edges, the leaf tissue begins to die. The reason for this is the wrong choice of soil
- Nitrogen . The foliage turns pale and the leaves gradually fall off
- Potassium . Along the edges, the seedling leaves begin to dry, and their main area becomes covered with yellowness.
If you notice the first signs of micronutrient deficiency, then stop feeding with mixtures that contain the corresponding substances.
Do peppers need feeding?
If sowing was done in special soil for seedlings, then there is no need to introduce early feeding of peppers, because the substrate contains all the necessary substances.
If the seedlings were planted in ordinary garden soil, then after 1-2 leaves appear, they need to be fed with fertilizer.
Essential microelements
Pepper seedlings need microelements such as potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus .
Phosphorus is an important element necessary for the health and resistance of pepper seedlings to adverse conditions. Phosphorus is contained in fertilizers made from superphosphate, manure, bird droppings, and ash.
Nitrogen acts as a growth vitamin for seedlings. It is involved in the vegetative development of seedlings. Due to rapid leaching and processing by microorganisms, it is often in short supply. These fertilizers need to be administered once every 14 days in small quantities. Sources: green mash, yeast infusion, bird droppings fertilizer.
As soon as the seedlings begin to collect flowers, they are fed with complex mineral fertilizer with a high potassium . The best source, other than artificial fertilizers, is wood ash.
Signs of nutritional deficiency in seedlings
Deficiency of the following nutrients is noticeable in the appearance of seedlings:
- deficiency . Plant leaves turn pale, become smaller, turn yellow, and fall off.
- Lack of phosphorus. The leaves of the seedlings have a blue-green color on the underside, which will gradually turn purple. The leaves are pressed against the stem. The roots are covered in a coating of rust.
- deficiency . The edges of the leaves of the plant turn black and can bend upward, twisting into a tube.
- Lack of iron. Yellow or white spots appear on the leaves, which are located between the leaf veins. Then they turn light and the leaves begin to die. The process starts from the edges and moves towards the center.
- deficiency . Affects the appearance of the leaves - they take the shape of an awl. Later, grayish-yellow dots form on them, and the growth of the plant and root slows down.
Stages of introducing fertilizers for peppers
Regardless of what type of pepper (sweet or hot) you planted, feed the seedlings three times:
- After germination at the stage of appearance of 2 leaves;
- 7-10 days after picking;
- 3-4 days before transplanting seedlings into the ground.
What does the feeding schedule depend on?
The number and composition of fertilizers depend on the soil on which the plant is grown. If it meets the plant’s soil requirements, then fertilizing is done once every 7-10 days with organic-mineral complex fertilizing:
- Ideal;
- Sturdy;
- Baby;
- Agricola;
- Uniflor growth;
- Uniflor bud.
How to feed: 10 ml of fertilizer is diluted in 5 liters of water and watered the plants.
If the soil is garden soil, which is not suitable for growing peppers, then feed the seedlings with each watering. The same feeding scheme should be used in the northern regions on any soil where seedlings do not have enough sun to grow. Feeding will improve the development of seedlings.
How to feed: dissolve 1 cap (5 ml) of fertilizer in 3 liters of water and water the seedlings.
How to fertilize pepper seedlings: diagram, rules
How to properly feed pepper seedlings?
Feeding pepper seedlings requires compliance with certain rules. Fertilizing seedlings should be carried out in accordance with the following recommendations:
- Feeding should be done in the morning
- Water the plants a couple of hours before the procedure. This will avoid burning the roots
- When watering plants, try not to let the liquid fall on the above-ground part of the plant. If suddenly the solution does get in, be sure to wipe the area, for example, with a cotton pad soaked in clean water
- Be sure to adhere to the feeding schedule and dosage. If you add too much, you will harm the plants.
How to feed pepper seedlings if they stretch out
Pulling pepper seedlings is a serious problem that causes thinning of the stem, weakening, and lodging of seedlings. With strong pulling, you can forget about a normal harvest. The problem can arise due to improper growing conditions and care. Pulling is caused, first of all, by a lack of light, as well as increased air temperature and excessive watering.
If you notice that pepper seedlings have begun to stretch, you should definitely reconsider the conditions and care. As a serious measure, you can use retardant drugs that regulate plant growth (slow down the development of the above-ground part and stimulate the growth of the root system). For example, you can use the following retardants: Athlete, Chunky, Strong.
Make the solution and use the substance strictly according to the instructions.
The first, second and third very important feeding of pepper seedlings: features
After picking, fertilizing pepper seedlings is carried out approximately 10-12 days later. During this time, the roots of the plants begin to get used to the new place, and the seedlings begin to grow. Now she needs support.
The first feeding can be carried out with the help of various mineral complexes, which contain all the necessary elements, as well as with the help of organo-mineral compositions. The latter contain mainly nitrogen and potassium. Many beginning gardeners prefer to use ready-made fertilizers.
The following recipes can be used:
- Take the complex mixture “GUMI” and dilute 1 tbsp. for 10 liters of water
- Take potassium nitrate. It is diluted in 20 liters of water. Only 60 grams required
- Kemira Lux is also a good choice. It needs 1 tbsp. for 10 liters of water
- You can also dilute 3 tbsp. superphosphate, 1 spoon of ammonium nitrate and 1.5 tbsp. potassium sulfate in a bucket of water
After feeding, you need to leave the peppers alone for a while. In particular, now they need 10-14 days. The second feeding should contain other elements in addition to nitrogen and potassium. This applies to phosphorus. He is very important to the peppers now. For feeding, you can use Kemira Lux or Kristalon, but the mineral complexes that were used previously are also quite suitable. Organic is also good.
Among the supplement recipes, the following stand out:
- 20 g of “Kristalon” are diluted in 10 liters of water
- 60 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfate are added to 10 liters of water
- You can use the GUMI mineral complex. It is enough to add 2 tbsp. for one bucket of water
By the way, when one of the compounds is applied to the soil, wood ash is sprinkled on top of it. Please note that simple waste ash will not work; wood ash is needed. At the same time, a liter of nettle infusion is added to it. The entire mixture is added to a bucket of water.
Before planting seedlings in the ground, they also need fertilizing. Most of all, gardeners like complex additives, for example, Fertika or Agricola. There are many others. Please note that the remedy will only be effective if the dosages are followed exactly.
Feeding for problem seedlings
If the pepper seedlings are weak and frail, then apply fertilizer before transplanting with a special complex fertilizer and treat the leaves with Epin, after first finding out the cause of the unhealthy condition.
If it becomes thinner and stretched out
To prevent pepper seedlings from growing any further, growth regulators are used. The most popular of them: Kornevin, Zircon, Atlet.
Use the products strictly following the instructions in the instructions.
Additionally, you can loosen the soil and add biohumus and vermiculite to it. These substances will draw excess moisture from the soil and make the soil looser.
Doesn't grow well
For the growing season, pepper needs complex mineral fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. Gumi can be used as an organic mineral fertilizer. It consists of 60% humic acids, which stimulate the growth of seedlings.
The fertilizer also contains 2% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, 1% potassium. The composition contains all the necessary elements and vitamins that peppers need for pepper growth. The next 2-3 feedings are carried out at intervals of 10-14 days.
The leaves are turning yellow
The leaves of pepper seedlings turn yellow due to:
- Unsuitable soil composition . Soil that has been used for a long time has a heavy structure and low nutrient content. It is better to replace it with a new one. You can add organic matter (humus), sand and phosphorus-potassium mineral fertilizers to the pepper seedlings.
- Fertilizer shortages. If the lower leaves of the pepper turn yellow, this may indicate a lack of main nutrients in the soil - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In the seedling phase, plants have a greater need for the first component, potassium comes in second place, and only then may they lack phosphorus. Nitrogen starvation is also manifested by general pallor of the leaves and their falling off. With a lack of potassium, the edges of the leaves dry out. The situation can be corrected by feeding the plants with complex fertilizers or potassium nitrate. A lack of microelements (iron, boron, manganese, zinc and sulfur) in peppers causes non-infectious chlorosis. The leaves of the plants turn yellow, while the veins remain green. You can eliminate the problem by feeding the plants with liquid solutions of microelements in the form of chelates, Humate, or any complex fertilizer with microelements: Crystallon, Cytovit.
- Root damage. You can fertilize plants for the rapid development of the root system that feeds the foliage with any fertilizers to stimulate growth, for example Humate, Epin, Kornevin, Zircon.
- Reactions to transplantation into soil. If the leaves of a pepper turn yellow during transplantation, it needs to be fed with growth stimulants - Kornevin, Zircon, Humate, Silk.
- Pests and diseases. The main pests of pepper are aphids, thrips and spider mites. Treatment of seedlings with Aktara, Akarin, Bi-58, Fitoverm, Intavir, Fufanon, Actellik will help get rid of them.
Feeding pepper seedlings with yeast: recipe
Yeast
Feeding pepper seedlings can also be done using various folk recipes. Let's talk about them. The first remedy we will consider is yeast. By the way, you can use both live and dry products.
Please note that you cannot use expired products. The fact is that fungi can get into the soil and destroy all the plants. Yeast supplements can also be used in different ways. They can, for example, be used when planting seedlings. So, place 2 g of yeast in each well. Grind them with soil first. At subsequent stages, fertilizers are used in the form of a solution with water. They can be used to water or irrigate seedlings. Just carry out the procedure on a cloudy day, in the morning or evening.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to fertilize with organic matter?
Yes, but very carefully, reducing the concentration of the active substance.
Why do seedlings stretch?
The two main reasons are a lack of phosphorus and potassium (too much nitrogen) and a lack of sunlight. We exclude nitrogen fertilizers and move the seedlings closer to the light.
In what proportions should the fertilizer be diluted?
Strictly follow the directions on the packaging or the drug manufacturer's website. For young plants, the concentration of the active substance can be halved.
Is it possible to use folk remedies together with purchased ones?
We advise you to choose one thing. The fact is that in folk remedies it is difficult to calculate the concentration of minerals. Therefore, there is a great chance of “overfeeding” the seedlings. It is better to fertilize seedlings with light solutions based on store-bought preparations.
Feeding pepper seedlings with beer: recipe
Among the folk remedies that can be used to feed pepper seedlings, beer stands out. It contains yeast. Just keep in mind that the drink may not be prepared correctly. So it’s better not to use regular beer from the store. But a live, self-cooked product is allowed to be used. It will serve as a growth activator. So its use is possible from the very beginning of growth. The product is not used in its pure form. For 10 liters of water you will need only 1 liter.
Useful tips
To fertilize your peppers as efficiently as possible, here are some tips:
- Before carrying out root feeding, water the seedlings generously. This will allow the fertilizers to be evenly distributed in the soil and not damage the roots of the plants.
- Spray with a nutrient composition only in the morning or evening, or in cloudy weather.
- Consider the total amount of fertilizer applied.
- Use the basic organic complex when preparing the soil for seedlings and in the spring.
- Alternate between different types of fertilizers.
- Make the decision to apply fertilizing taking into account the appearance of the pepper and its needs.
- Do not overdo it in feeding, causing harm to the crop instead of the expected benefit.
Feeding pepper seedlings involves a set of activities. Knowing all the nuances, plant needs and alternative options for different nutrition, fertilization work does not cause difficulties. And the result in the form of a rich harvest of healthy and tasty fruits will delight every gardener.
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Feeding pepper seedlings with hydrogen peroxide: recipe
Gardeners who choose folk remedies claim that feeding pepper seedlings with hydrogen peroxide helps strengthen the roots, and also strengthens the plants' immunity. The product releases oxygen, which, in turn, removes dead roots. This prevents the death of seedlings.
The procedure of feeding at the root or spraying is carried out. To do this, only 20 drops of the product are diluted per 1 liter of water. You can water the plants with it once a week. The main thing is to strictly follow the dosage, because a concentrated solution is dangerous.
What mineral fertilizers can be used?
Mineral fertilizers (urea, saltpeter, superphosphate, potassium phosphate) demonstrate the greatest effectiveness. But it is very important to follow the recommended proportions when preparing the solution.
The three most effective complexes based on minerals:
- For 10 liters of water: 40 g of superphosphate, 6 g of nitrate, 16 g of potassium. Feed the seedlings after emergence.
- For 5 liters of water: 3 g of nitrate, 10 g of potassium phosphate, 20 g of superphosphate. For feeding before picking.
- For 5 liters of water: 40 g of potassium. For feeding before planting in the ground.
ON A NOTE. You can also use ready-made, instant preparations: Mortar, Kristalin, Clean Sheet.
Banana skin for feeding pepper seedlings: recipe
Banana skin
This method is suitable for those who love bananas. Pepper seedlings can also be fed with the remains of this fruit. Banana skins are great for replenishing potassium deficiency. Its deficiency does not allow seedlings to absorb nitrogen and the seedlings will become lethargic. Before fertilizing, it is necessary to prepare an infusion. For this, put 4-5 skins in a 3-liter jar and fill them with warm water. The mixture needs to brew for three days. During this time, potassium will be released. When the infusion is ready, water the seedlings with it.
What to do if the seedlings are overfed?
First of all, it is necessary to determine which element is in excess, and then carry out resuscitation measures.
Table. Symptoms of overfed seedlings and ways to eliminate the problem
Element | Symptom | Treatment |
Nitrogen | Peppers are fattening. | Only transplantation into another soil |
Phosphorus | Yellowing of leaf blades. Necrosis and leaf fall. | Spray with 0.1% boric acid solution |
Potassium | Slow growth. Fading foliage. Spots appear, the leaf blade acquires a camouflage color. | Only transplantation into another soil |
Calcium | Necrosis. The plant does not respond to feeding. The surface of the leaves turns yellow. | First water, then feed with potassium sulfate |
Bor | The appearance of drying spots. Curling of the upper leaves | Watering |
Magnesium | Curling of the upper leaves | Add potassium sulfate |
Zinc | Redness of leaves. The appearance of ulcers and growths, leaf curling. | Add superphosphate |
Feeding peppers with ash per liter of water: recipe
Wood ash is often used to feed plants. This is due to the fact that it contains a large amount of minerals. It can also be used to feed pepper seedlings. Please note that you can only use ash that is obtained from burning trees, and there should be no mold on it. In addition, the ash should not contain excess components from household waste. By the way, ash helps reduce the acidity of the soil, so if you have high acidity, then this is just what you need.
Ash can be added as an additional component to peat and sand. Moreover, it can also be used as a separate fertilizer. A solution is prepared for these purposes. It’s easy to mix, just take one tablespoon of ash per two liters of water. Do not use the product immediately, let it sit for a day. You can use the prepared solution several times, but not very often, because this will provoke an excess of useful substances.
Folk remedies
In addition to classic organic or mineral fertilizers, other fertilizers are also suitable for pepper. You probably already have all the ingredients you need on hand or in the refrigerator!
Feeding peppers with ash
Wood ash is the most effective household fertilizer when it comes to adding potassium. To do this, sift a liter jar of ash and dilute it in a liter of warm water. Let it brew for half a day, filter and add about 150 ml of concentrate for each plant.
Photo: everything.kz
Yeast feeding
Dilute 10 g of dry yeast in a 10-liter bucket of water to improve the properties of the soil and the digestibility of other fertilizers. The solution increases the resistance of pepper seedlings to fungal diseases, droughts and negative influences.
Feeding peppers with banana peels
Banana infusion is another powerful potassium fertilizer. In addition, the peel is treated with ripening substances during transportation. When released into the ground, they stimulate the growth and development of pepper seedlings. Pour 3 liters of water over the skins of 4 bananas, let it sit for four days and dilute with water in equal parts before use.
Photo: zen.yandex.ru
Feeding peppers with iodine
Iodine solution is, first of all, a very effective antiseptic for protection against bending and rotting. For 3 liters of water, 2 drops are enough - and feel free to water the beds in the standard mode. Additionally, iodine is good at stimulating the formation of new ovaries and growth in general.
Feeding with eggshells
This is a universal general strengthening agent that can be used at different stages of feeding pepper seedlings. First of all, it is rich in calcium, but there is also magnesium and a lot of other elements. Grind the shells of a dozen eggs, pour a bucket of boiling water, let it brew for 5 days and strain.
Feeding peppers with onion skins
Pour a liter of boiling water over a handful of husks and let it brew for 1-2 days. Or fill it with cold water, boil and cool - if you need an infusion on the same day. Spraying the leaves with this decoction improves the growth of peppers, promotes thickening of the stems, and protects against spider mites and fungus.
Photo: sadgrad.ru
Feeding pepper seedlings with iodine to improve growth: recipe
Iodine
If you want to get a folk remedy for the rapid growth of seedlings, as well as protect them from pests and diseases, then use iodine. Of course, it cannot be used in its pure form. To feed, prepare a solution of 5 g of iodine and 5 liters of water. For greater effect, phosphorus and potassium can be added to the fertilizing. Feed the seedlings while watering. By the way, there is another good recipe. For this, mix 1 liter of milk and 15 drops of iodine in a bucket of water.
When to feed peppers
Pepper seedlings require nutrients from the beginning of growth to thrive. It absorbs them through the soil.
Some gardeners prepare or purchase soil with all the nutrients and do not feed the seedlings. Others believe that it is impossible to grow healthy seedlings without additional fertilizer.
Interesting! If you choose the right soil for pepper seedlings in advance and plant them in nutrient-rich soil, then you don’t have to apply fertilizing until planting in a permanent place.
Many gardeners apply fertilizer if the seedlings look unhealthy, develop poorly, or stop growing.
A one-time application of fertilizer is recommended if there is a shortage of a certain nutrient.
There are 3 main components necessary for the full development of plants: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are all very important. When they are deficient, plants slow down, leaves turn pale and have a depressing appearance. Therefore, you first need to determine which component is missing.
Table with the main signs of nutritional deficiencies
Important! The main thing is to add nutrients in recommended dosages and not increase them.
Usually, to replenish the missing component, 1 additional feeding is carried out. If there is an excess of the element, you can harm the plant, which will negatively affect its health.
Advice! Substances are absorbed most quickly during foliar feeding.
How to dilute urea to feed pepper seedlings: recipes
Urea
Urea or urea is an excellent way to feed pepper seedlings. It is better to apply fertilizer on a cloudy evening. This is necessary so that the granules penetrate better into the soil along with the dew.
The solution is prepared according to certain rules that are important to follow:
- The dressing is prepared in a separate container
- Keep the solution out of the reach of children and animals.
- Place dry fertilizer at a shallow depth. In this case, it is important that the granules do not touch the roots
- Fertilizing is applied at a temperature of no more than 22 degrees
- Fertilizing cannot be combined with organic matter, because its effectiveness is reduced
Foliar feeding, which is what urea is, acts much faster than root feeding. That is why it is so popular among gardeners.
The recipes for preparing the fertilizer are as follows:
Urea recipes
Peppers require urea regardless of their growth stage. To prevent the soil from being oversaturated with nitrogen, adhere to the established dosages. First of all, urea is applied in the spring, when the beds are being prepared. If the soil is too depleted, you can add sawdust, manure, sand or humus to it.
How to understand whether feeding is needed and what is missing?
Peppers definitely need to be fed when you sow seeds in poor soil. If there are not enough nutrients in the soil, it simply will not sprout. But if the substrate is good in itself, there will be enough minerals and trace elements.
If the seedlings look weak, stunted and sickly, this is a sure sign that they need to be fed. But first make sure she is healthy and all other conditions are in order. Do not try to compensate for the lack of light or low temperature with fertilizers!
Photo: centr-sadovoda.ru
If the leaves begin to gradually turn yellow from the tips throughout the entire plate, and the seedlings slow down in growth, there is not enough nitrogen. If the greens look blue, add phosphorus fertilizers. And if the leaves fade and turn yellow strictly at the edges, the seedlings need potassium.
But remember that an excess of fertilizers is just as harmful and dangerous as its lack. If your pepper feels good and looks healthy, don’t overdo it with feeding. Do not increase the dosage and concentration of additives, otherwise the plant will grow leaves, not fruits. And in the worst case, you can burn the root system.
Photo: zen.yandex.ru
Feeding pepper seedlings with onion peels: recipe
Pepper seedlings can also be fed using onion peel infusion. It allows you to make the soil more productive and protect seedlings from diseases. At the same time, spraying with this product allows the ovaries to form faster. The fertilizer is prepared in the form of an infusion. For this, take two glasses of husks and steam them in two liters of boiling water.
Do not use the product immediately; you need to let it brew for a couple of days and then strain. It is important to note that the finished infusion is concentrated. So for use it needs to be diluted in a ratio of 1 to 3.
How to fertilize correctly - basic rules
To get beautiful, healthy seedlings, and then a high-quality pepper harvest, you need to know how to properly feed the vegetable. Basic rules and recommendations:
- Foliar feeding is applied in the early morning or late evening.
- Root application - carried out immediately after watering or simultaneously with it.
- It is necessary to water the root system with nutrient compositions so that the substance does not fall on the green part of the seedlings.
- It is forbidden to mix different types of formulations; they can be alternated with an interval of 14-20 days.
What to feed the seedlings with, organic or mineral means, is the decision of the gardener himself. When used correctly, both types give high results.
Attention! If the seedlings are in a greenhouse, it is necessary to halve the dosage of nitrogen preparations and increase watering.
Liquid replenishment is poured strictly under the bush
Fertilizing pepper seedlings with saltpeter: recipes
Saltpeter
Fertilizing pepper seedlings with saltpeter is carried out in different ways. This is largely determined by the type of nitrate. So, there are several types of fertilizers.
Ammonium nitrate
It is used at the beginning of the growing season, because at this time plants need as much nitrogen as possible, and this product has more than enough of it. Fertilizer has an excellent effect on any plants, including peppers. When the period of rapid growth ends and it is time to move on to fruit growth, ammonium nitrate is not used. It is prepared quite simply - add 12 g of the product to a bucket of water. By the way, if you want to use fertilizer on acidic soil, then additionally add alkaline fertilizer.
At the same time, do not carry out foliar feeding with ammonium nitrate, because there is a risk that the plants will get burns.
Calcium nitrate
This fertilizer does not increase acidity, and therefore can be used on any soil. On the contrary, the product neutralizes the acid content. Nitre is applied in the spring, when the soil is prepared for planting. It is added directly to it. But you can’t use fertilizer in the fall, because most of the nutrients will leave the soil when the snow melts. In addition, be sure to add calcium, otherwise the pepper will not absorb the saltpeter.
Potassium
Can be used as a solution or dry. Potassium prevents green mass from increasing and helps fruits grow. They become juicier and larger. To fertilize, it is enough to add 20 g of fertilizer to 10 liters of water.
Main types of fertilizers
Based on their origin, fertilizers are divided into mineral and organic. Organic and mineral groups of fertilizers have their own types and are divided according to the composition of active substances.
Mineral
Mineral (chemical) fertilizers are fertilizers in the form of inorganic salts, which are produced industrially and also artificially.
Mineral fertilizers are divided into phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and multicomponent.
Superphosphate
You can fertilize pepper seedlings with superphosphate already at the stage of seedling growth. A lack of phosphorus is indicated by leaves curling inward. To help them, you can spray the seedlings with superphosphate fertilizer.
Preparation of fertilizing: 20 tbsp. l. granules pour 3 liters of boiling water and leave for a day in a warm place, stirring constantly. After 150 ml of solution, dilute with 10 liters of water and add 20 ml of arbitrary nitrogen fertilizer for good absorption of phosphorus.
Urea
The first fertilizing with urea is introduced after 16-18 days.
Preparation: Dissolve about 10 g of urea in 10 liters of warm water, add 5 grams of superphosphate. It is necessary that all fertilizers are well dissolved and only then water.
The consumption of the nutrient solution is 1 liter per bush (for low-growing peppers, the volume can be reduced to half a liter per plant).
It is used for root and foliar application. The procedure is usually carried out in the morning or evening, in dry, windless weather.
Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is used early in the growing season because this is when plants need as much nitrogen as possible.
Preparation of fertilizer for peppers: 12 g of product per 10 liters of water.
Important! is not used as foliar feeding of seedlings , because seedlings may get burned.
Potassium sulfate
The presence of potassium in the soil is very important for plants.
It regulates their vegetation. The soil is fertilized with potassium sulfate using different methods - both in dry form and in the form of an aqueous solution during irrigation. It can also be used as a top dressing during plant growth and development throughout the entire life cycle. You can simply spray the leaves and stems of crops with a solution of potassium sulfate.
Preparation of solution for irrigation:
- 10 l of water + 6 g of urea + 15 g of potassium sulfate + 20 g of “Superphosphate”;
For spraying and watering:
- 5 liters of water + 3 g of ammonium nitrate + 20 g of “Superphosphate” + 8 g of potassium sulfide.
Organic
Organic fertilizers contain plant nutrients in the form of organic compounds. It is these fertilizers that contain a high concentration of nutrients (manure, bird droppings, etc.).
You can also fertilize bell pepper seedlings with organic substances collected from your farm. Below are recipes for preparing organic fertilizers.
Manure or bird droppings
The product is an excellent source of nitrogen.
Preparation of the infusion: add 2 parts of water to 1 part of the substance, mix and leave for 3 days to ferment. Before application, dilute in water in a ratio of 1:10.
Fertilization with bird droppings is effective both in the early and late stages of seedling development.
Kitchen waste
Gardeners often use kitchen waste:
- Excellent nutrition is obtained from banana peels , due to the high potassium content in it.
- Eggshells contain high concentrations of calcium.
Folk remedies
Many gardeners prepare fertilizers from natural ingredients that contain minerals and organic matter beneficial to plants. They are cheaper than standard ones and are non-toxic.
Folk remedies for feeding pepper seedlings include: yeast, iodine, wood ash, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, kitchen waste, herbal infusions, etc.
Yeast
Yeast contains phosphorus, nitrogen and other important elements. Yeast improves the growth of seedlings, accelerates metabolic processes in the soil, and develops a powerful root system.
You can feed the seedlings with the following composition:
- 1 g dry or 50 g fresh yeast;
- 1 liter of warm water;
- 1 tsp. Sahara.
Important! Before using the composition, it is dissolved in 5 liters of warm water. Use twice per season.
Iodine
Iodine is an excellent agent for seedlings: it stimulates growth, increases yield, and improves the taste of fruits. Has antibacterial properties .
Preparation of fertilizing:
- 1-2 drops of iodine;
- 1 liter of water;
- 100 ml whey.
Fertilizing with wood ash
Ashes are a storehouse of potassium and phosphorus and other useful elements. Ash helps strengthen and develop seedlings.
Wood ash infusion:
- 1 tbsp. l. ammonia;
- 2 liters of hot water.
The solution is kept for a day and filtered before use.
Ammonia
Ammonia will help seedlings increase growth, stop yellowing of leaves, fungal diseases and pests.
Preparation of fertilizer: dissolve 1 tsp. ammonia in 1 liter of water.
What elements are missing in pepper seedlings and how to make up for their deficiency
With an acute deficiency of nutrients, plants become frail, weakened, stunted in growth, and leaves may curl. However, you should not immediately run and dilute fertilizers. Carefully inspect the plants for pests or signs of infection. Then first of all you will have to start treatment. And only after proper diagnosis and treatment can the issue of nutrition be resolved.
Let's look at the signs of deficiency of individual nutrients:
- Potassium . A yellow border appears along the edges of the leaves (potassium burn). It may dry out later, and then the veins begin to turn yellow. Potassium nitrate (1 g/l) or an infusion of wood ash will help replenish the deficiency of the element. The deficiency of this element should be replenished throughout the pepper growing season. It increases pepper resistance to stress and speeds up harvesting.
- Nitrogen . Plants are stunted. Leaves lighten and turn yellow - chlorosis: yellowing of the leaf plate is observed, starting from the central vein. This is especially noticeable on the lower leaves. The most effective drug is urea. Apply as foliar spraying in accordance with the instructions. Ammonium nitrate has a similar effect. Organic fertilizing will also help correct the situation: chicken droppings, mullein or rotted manure.
- Calcium . On the leaves you can observe yellowish spots with a gray coating, which, if measures are not taken, lead to complete loss of leaves. Deformed or underdeveloped leaves are formed. Watering with infusion of eggshells will help.
- Phosphorus . The stem becomes thinner. The leaves on the underside acquire a bluish tint, which changes towards reddish over time. Soon the leaves begin to fall off. Feed the plants with any phosphorus fertilizer, for example, sulfate, in accordance with the recommendations.
- Iron . Yellowing of the foliage, and then the veins. Starting from the edges, the leaves dry out and fall off. You can feed the plants with a 0.1% solution of chelated iron (“Ferovit”).
- Magnesium . The lower tier of leaves turns yellow, the veins remain green. Adding a solution containing this microelement will help.
As you can see, the plant itself will indicate a lack of any element. It can be restored by additional one-time feeding.
Advice . If one or more signs are detected, carry out one feeding and evaluate the result after several days. Usually this is quite enough to eliminate the deficiency of the element. You should not carry out such feeding frequently. This can lead to excessive saturation of the soil with any one element. And this situation is no better than his lack. There is often a shortage of several elements at once. Use complex universal formulations: “Agricola”, “Kemira Lux”, “Fertika”, humates. |
For faster saturation with nutrition, it is necessary to apply foliar application, since when watering at the root, the effect will be observed much more slowly. The above signs can often signal more than just nutritional deficiency. Often the cause of such metamorphoses can be a simple failure to comply with growing conditions.
Photo pixabay/lloorraa: The plant itself will indicate a deficiency of one or another element.
Methods of applying fertilizer: water or spray?
The last thing worth paying attention to, and which may be of interest to novice gardeners, is how to apply fertilizers.
Fertilizers are introduced in several ways, depending on the stage of plant development:
- root method. The bottom line is that mineral substances are carefully poured under the base of the stem, avoiding the solution getting on the leaf blades. Root feeding is carried out on pre-moistened soil, that is, 1-2 hours before the procedure, the seedlings are watered with settled water;
- foliar method. It consists of spraying the seedlings with a prepared solution from a spray bottle. Suitable for seedlings that have grown leaf mass (third feeding) and are able to absorb and assimilate sprayed microelements.
That's all the wisdom! Remember that proper nutrition of pepper in the very first stages of its development is the key to obtaining strong plants and a rich harvest.
Organic for peppers
In the system of feeding seedlings, gardeners devote a significant place to organic preparations, including:
- chicken droppings;
- mullein;
- humus or compost;
- wood ash (for dusting the soil around the stem or watering with daily infusion).
In winter and early spring, these preparations for root feeding are available to city dwellers in ready-made form in stores. It has become easier to dilute the product correctly and feed the seedlings.
Sheet processing is effective. For foliar feeding in March-April, use “Bishal” - a ready-made complex for spraying.
Why do you need feeding?
When growing seedlings, all the nutrients from the limited volume of soil in the pots are gradually used. If they are deficient, the bushes stop growing and developing, become more vulnerable to diseases and will produce a weak harvest of small fruits in the future. At the same time, it is important not to overfeed the pepper, so as not to provoke excessive development of green mass and falling off of the buds.
Did you know? Peppers are usually grown as an annual crop, although they are actually perennial and can grow and bear fruit for several years at home.
Signs your pepper is not getting enough nutrition
When deciding what to feed the pepper after picking or at the seedling stage, you must first focus on its appearance. There are a number of signs that indicate what kind of substance is missing in the soil:
- Lack of potassium - the edges of the leaves turn yellow. Ash infusion or potassium sulfate is used.
- Phosphorus - branches and leaves turn purple. To replenish the element, seedlings need to be fertilized with superphosphate or use potassium monophosphate.
- Nitrogen - uniform yellowing of leaf blades - they become pale, the development of seedlings slows down. To compensate for the lack of nitrogen - ammonium nitrate, chicken manure, urea.
- Iron - the upper leaves become lighter.
- Copper - the foliage withers.
Attention! Refills must be used carefully. An excess of certain elements in the soil also has a detrimental effect on the plant, as does their deficiency.
Organic fertilizers
Organic matter is considered a safe fertilizer that normalizes the structure and microflora of the soil and accelerates plant growth. What is important for pepper:
- Chicken droppings. To prepare, take 2 parts of litter and 1 part of water, mix thoroughly and let it brew for at least 3 days. Before adding, strain the solution and mix with water in a ratio of 1:10. The norm for one bush is 200-400 ml.
- Slurry. Dilute with water in a ratio of 1:10, then leave to infuse for 24 hours. The dosage is the same as the previous one.
- Herbal decoction. Prepare tomato tops, nettles and dandelion leaves from last year. Take the components in equal proportions, place them in a 3-liter container so that the dry mixture is 1/5 of the volume of the jar. Fill with warm water, cover with a lid. Leave for at least 7 days. Dilute the resulting solution with 1 bucket of water. Fertilizing is carried out twice a month with 200-300 ml of solution per bush.
- Tea infuser. Place the tea leaves on the surface of the soil and loosen them.
- Sugar. Sprinkled directly under the bush, it helps prevent the process of foliage withering. Proportions: 2 tsp per bush.
- Potato broth . Used to stimulate growth. Apply 50 ml of it to each sprout.
- Eggshell. Saturates the soil with calcium. Grind the eggshells, pour 1/3 into a jar, fill with water. Leave for 3-4 days, then pour 200 ml per plant under the root.
Organic fertilizers contain a large amount of nitrogen, so they can only be applied if there is a shortage of this chemical element.