In order for tomato seedlings to take root better, tomatoes should be planted according to the lunar calendar for April 2022.
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Diving is one of the important stages in the life of a plant. The whole procedure consists of transplanting tomatoes into individual spacious pots or stacks, thanks to which the tomato hardens, develops faster, and in the future will delight you with a rich harvest.
Experienced gardeners check the expected harvest date with the lunar sowing calendar. A selection of preferred days in accordance with the lunar calendar allows you to painlessly transplant seedlings, accelerate their growth and strengthen the immune system.
In what cases do tomatoes peak in April?
There is no point in delaying the process of picking tomatoes. The root system of tomatoes requires more space, and late picking can harm their roots.
The picking process often falls in April. The timing of this agrotechnical activity depends on the time of sowing tomato seeds, which is calculated in advance, as well as the variety, growing conditions and climate of the region.
Even before planting the seed, the gardener takes into account all factors and calculates the approximate time of planting, transplanting into a separate container and planting in open ground.
Dive rules
Before picking, you need to select suitable deep containers with prepared soil. When growing seedlings indoors, you need to maintain a temperature of +20-+22 °C during the day and +16-+20 °C at night. It is advisable to pick tomatoes together with a lump of soil so as not to damage the roots. You can remove the seedlings before moving them with an ordinary spoon, fork or knife, cutting the soil in the container into squares. After picking, proper care of the seedlings must be observed.
Soil preparation
After picking, tomato seedlings feel comfortable in loose, fertile, neutral or slightly acidic soil. In special stores you can buy ready-made soil. But you can prepare the soil mixture yourself. To do this, you need to mix 1 part garden and turf soil, 0.25 parts humus and sand, 4 parts peat. Fresh humus should not be used. It contains a lot of nitrogen, which can burn the roots of the plant. The sand must be of a coarse fraction so that the soil mixture is not dense. There is an option to replace sand with perlite or vermiculite.
It is recommended to add ash to the soil in the amount of 1 cup per 10 liters of soil. Ash from the combustion of coniferous wood is best suited. It will saturate the soil not only with potassium, but also with phosphorus. When using bone meal instead of ash, the soil must be prepared in the fall, otherwise the meal will not work. Soil from the garden must be taken fresh before growing other crops on it. If this is not possible, you need to calcine any soil in the oven.
Important!
The soil where representatives of the nightshade family previously grew is not suitable for picking. You can use soil from onions or herbs.
Planting seedlings
Grown tomato seedlings should be carefully placed from a common box into individual containers with half the soil. While moving, support the stems by adding soil to the desired level. Do not bury the seedlings too deeply. If the cotyledon leaves are covered with soil, the growth of the plant will slow down. Before picking, the soil needs to be loosened, and then watered and left in the shade for a day. As containers for picking tomatoes, you can use plastic cups with holes for drainage or peat pots, in which you can plant seedlings in open ground after picking. The area of the container should be about 10 cm.
How to determine when it’s time to plant tomato seedlings?
After planting, the tomato seeds have sprouted, and the fragile tomatoes are getting stronger every day, their roots are growing and taking up more and more space. Seedlings with a developed root system require space and nutrients. If the tomatoes are not picked, they will begin to wither and stop developing.
For a gardener, the appearance of two or three true tomato leaves approximately one to two weeks after the crops emerge is the main signal for picking them into a separate container.
IMPORTANT! The cotyledon leaves grow first, and then the true leaves.
If the tomato variety is low-growing or medium-growing, then you can replant the tomato once, if it is tall - 2 times. From the first to the second pick, at least 2-3 weeks.
Why is picking needed?
Most often, seeds are planted in large boxes, and the first shoots appear after 10-14 days. At first, they have enough nutrients and light, but over time, the seedlings grow, they become cramped in one container, and the soil can no longer provide the tomatoes with enough of the necessary elements. Therefore, seedlings may slow down their growth or, on the contrary, begin to stretch out strongly and reach for the light. Picking will come to the rescue. The procedure has the following effect:
- allows young plants to fully develop;
- provides the root system with free space;
- allows you to cull weak or diseased seedlings;
- prevents roots from intertwining;
- prepares tomatoes for planting in a greenhouse or other permanent location.
Growing tomato seedlings is not difficult, but it is quite a troublesome task. And in many ways, the health of the crop and the amount of harvest will depend on whether the picking deadline was met and how correctly the process itself was carried out.
Choosing the time to pick tomatoes in April 2022 according to the lunar calendar, depending on the variety
The variety of tomato also determines the picking time. Each type of tomato has its own growing season and growth type. According to the time of ripening, tomatoes are divided into early-ripening, mid-ripening and late-ripening varieties, and according to the type of growth they can be divided into low-growing and tall-growing hybrids.
Seedlings of early tomatoes grow in about 40-50 days, mid-season tomatoes - 55-60 days, late varieties - 70 days.
All parameters should be collected together to calculate the picking time. But the main indicator is the time of sowing the seed and the time of emergence of seedlings.
How do the phases of the moon and the sign affect the picking of tomatoes?
Phases of the Moon
Only an inexperienced gardener will not rely on the lunar calendar when planning plantings and picks. Since ancient times, it has been proven that the Moon influences the productivity of plant growth and its development. Proper consideration of knowledge about the influence of the night light on plants on certain days allows you to increase productivity.
Astrologers say that the waxing lunar phase is the best time to garden. During this period, juices from the very tips of the roots are directed to the leaves, and it has a good effect on the above-ground part of the tomato. Therefore, it should be taken into account that the moon wanes from 1 to 11, from 28 to 30, and waxes from April 13 to 26, 2022.
During the period of decline, the night luminary affects the underground part of the tomatoes, i.e., the roots in which juices and energy are distributed. The lunar presence is less and less, and the plant does not grow as quickly. And if the root is damaged, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save the tomato at this time.
The zodiac constellations in which the Moon is located should also be taken into account. In the signs of Earth and Water, replanting vegetable and flower crops, including tomatoes, is recommended.
The moon in the constellation Virgo (Earth element) is the best time for the procedure. In the constellations Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio (Water signs), the procedure will also be beneficial. The waxing Moon in the sign of Virgo falls in 2022 on the 23rd, 24th day of the April calendar, in the sign of Cancer - on the 18th, 19th day of the April calendar.
The listed numbers are a favorable time for transplanting tomato seedlings. But even if it is not possible to correlate the timing of tomato picking on these days, you should still start picking. The main thing is not to replant on prohibited lunar days.
ATTENTION! If the Moon is in the preferred zodiac sign, however, in the wrong phase, then it is better to do the transplant on the last day that the earth’s satellite is in a particular zodiac sign.
Picking tomatoes
Growing tomato seedlings requires certain handling skills. Tomatoes peak on the 7-10th day after emergence. To ensure that the plants tolerate the procedure well, the temperature in the room is maintained between 20 and 22 °C. At night you can make it a little cooler - 16-18 °C. If the daylight hours are shorter than 14 hours or the weather is cloudy, additional lighting is provided for the tomatoes.
Soil requirements
Tomatoes are no less demanding on soil composition than other garden crops. They are able to grow in a variety of soils, provided they have the required amount of nutrients. Low-fertility compounds require abundant application of organic fertilizers. The pH value should be in the range of 5.5–6.0. During the growth process, tomatoes remove a large amount of mineral microelements from the soil, which are replenished several times during the entire growth period.
Today, ready-made soil mixture for forcing seedlings can be purchased at a garden center. It will contain all the substances necessary for the growth of the culture. However, if the manufacturer produces a product in violation of the technology, the vegetable grower using such a mixture may have problems with plant development. An excess or lack of useful elements will cause inhibition of crop growth or the development of diseases.
For your information!
It is better not to take soil from the garden where vegetables grow. It may contain an infection that will affect young seedlings.
Opponents of the use of ready-made substrates make their own nutrient mixture. Soil preparation is carried out in the fall. To do this, the prepared material is placed in seedling boxes and sent for storage in a basement or unheated pantry. A few days before sowing, the container is placed in a warm place so that the contents warm up to room temperature. If the same boxes are used year after year, they are disinfected with boiling water before filling.
There are no uniform requirements for preparing the soil mixture. Its composition depends on the region of cultivation. Prepare the substrate as follows:
- Two buckets of turf soil are poured onto a plastic film. It is advisable to collect the latter at the edge or clearing of a deciduous forest.
- Add half a bucket of humus. If the mixture turns out to be too viscous or clayey, add sand to it. Lime is added to acidic soil to reduce the pH value.
- Apply mineral fertilizers according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- The earthen mass is thoroughly mixed and scattered into trays.
Methods
Tomato seedlings grow quickly - 2 weeks after emergence, vegetable growers begin picking. Regardless of the method of forcing seedlings, when performing the procedure, the gardener must take into account:
- Plant fragility. A newly formed seedling has one thin root shoot, damage to which will significantly slow down the growth of the crop.
- Sowing dates. If you delay transplanting into separate trays, the developed root system of closely spaced seedlings will prevent extraction.
Classical
A frequently used method of forcing seedlings among gardeners. The seeds are planted in one common box, which is placed near the window on a windowsill or other convenient stand. During transplantation, the plants are carefully removed from the total mass, prying them up with a fork or dessert spoon. Seedlings are planted in individual containers. These can be plastic trays or cups with drainage holes.
Snail
A convenient way to grow seedlings for beginning gardeners. With this method, damage to the root system is minimized. The essence of the method:
- A thin layer of soil mixture is distributed on a narrow strip of fabric.
- Seed the seeds evenly, in increments of 2-3 cm.
- Cover the “bed” with the same piece of fabric or tuck in the free edge.
- Roll the resulting “pie” into a snail shape.
- When the seedlings germinate, they are transplanted into separate trays.
For your information!
It is convenient to use peat pots for planting seedlings. The latter are moved to the beds along with the contents.
"In the diaper"
When preparing seedlings for growing tomatoes on a summer cottage in a city apartment, “diaper diving” is used. The seedlings are removed from the common container and wrapped in polyethylene. To do this, prepare rectangles of polymer material with dimensions of 10 x 15 cm. Wrapping seedlings in bags is similar to swaddling, which is where the method gets its name. Folded envelopes are secured with tape or rubber bands.
To the greenhouse
If your garden plot has a heated greenhouse, you can plant seedlings directly into it. In cold regions, tomatoes are transplanted only in May. In warmer areas, seedlings are forced all year round, provided artificial lighting is available. To improve crop growth, heated beds and biofuel from manure, straw or wood mixture are used. The heating mass is placed under a layer of fertile soil. When grown in a greenhouse, tomato seedlings turn out strong and healthy. The seedlings have a well-developed root system. There will be no problems with pulling out the sprouts.
When to pick tomatoes in April 2022 according to the lunar calendar, favorable days
Sometimes an avid summer resident follows all the rules of cultivation, but cannot achieve such a rich harvest as his neighbor. Maybe the reason is that gardening does not coincide with favorable days on the lunar calendar?
Every year, based on the location of the Moon, astrologers calculate the optimal time for caring for tomatoes.
Forecast for April 2022:
- 13-17, 19-22, 24-26 – favorable numbers in the growing period;
- 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 28 – in a decreasing period.
IMPORTANT! However, by picking up tomato seedlings at a favorable time, but without taking proper care of them, it is difficult to count on a good harvest. Therefore, you should not forget about nutrients, watering, weeding, and lighting.
Growing tomato seedlings without picking
Surely, when reading the material above or while growing seedlings with your own hands, many might have a question - is it possible to grow tomato seedlings at home without picking? Yes, you can.
Advantages of growing tomato seedlings without picking:
- You can definitely avoid damaging the roots.
- It will also be possible to avoid the stress that seedlings experience due to the procedure.
- You can save time and energy by spending it on some other chores.
At the same time, growing without picking has certain differences that you should be aware of. It is necessary to plant and grow seedlings taking into account the following features:
- It is optimal to plant seeds in late March or early April.
- Initially, you need to sow the seeds in separate containers. Containers should be large (ideally the volume should be 0.5 l).
- You should not choose small containers, otherwise the plants will become crowded and will have to be replanted.
Picking is the most important step when growing tomato seedlings at home. If you do it correctly, while choosing the optimal timing, soil, and planting container, then you can get even closer to a wonderful, tasty harvest of juicy, sweet tomatoes.
When picking tomatoes is prohibited in April 2022, unfavorable days
During the full moon and new moon periods, you should refrain from gardening, as this time has a negative impact on vegetable seedlings. On April 12, 27, 2022, picking tomatoes is not allowed.
ON A NOTE. They say that on a new moon it is advisable to forget about the plant and not disturb it. And on a full moon it is better to engage in pest control, but picking is extremely undesirable.
Picking time depending on the region of Russia
When to pick tomatoes in April 2022 according to the lunar calendar depends, among other things, on the region where tomatoes are grown.
In the south it gets warmer earlier, so the procedure is carried out here in the first days of the month, in the north it’s the other way around.
In Siberia and the Urals
You can't boast of a warm climate here. The second month of spring can bring unwanted surprises in the weather. Based on climatic conditions, gardeners should focus on the third quarter of April when picking tomatoes. If the tomato variety allows, then you can pick tomatoes in the middle of the month.
In the central regions of the country
Mid-April is the right time when it is better to pick tomatoes while in the central part of Russia.
In the southern part of Russia
Here, gardeners “wake up” much faster after winter hibernation. Therefore, they ripen seedlings earlier compared to other regions.
For this region, March is most likely an acceptable month for diving. If tomato seeds are planted later than planned, then the beginning of April is also suitable for picking.
How to care for tomato seedlings in April after picking
Having finished the dive, the withdrawal does not stop; on the contrary, everything only gains strength. Every tomato requires watering and fertilizing. Tomatoes are fertilized with urea and superphosphate twice: 9-15 days after picking, then after two to three weeks. After fertilizing, the tomatoes must be watered and loosened, saturating it with oxygen.
About 2 times a week you should water the picked seedlings with settled water at room temperature. However, if the soil is excessively moist, then it is not worth watering. A tomato in a heavily moistened environment may stop growing, begin to turn yellow, and the roots may rot.
The air temperature for the room in which the seedlings grow is considered optimal at the following indicators: during the day +18-+20 °C, at night – +15-+16 °C.
The difference between picking tomato seedlings and other agrotechnical measures
Picking is often referred to as another agrotechnical event - replanting or transshipment. What is the difference?
Transplantation is the process of transplanting seedlings into separate containers without pinching the roots. At the same time, the earthen lump is knocked down. It is almost impossible to transplant without damaging the root.
Transshipment is the process of transplanting seedlings without pinching the roots from a small container to a larger one. In this case, the earthen lump is not knocked down.
Picking is the process of transplanting seedlings into separate containers with pinching of the central root.
Common mistakes
Beginners often make common mistakes.
When planting tomato seedlings, it is important to take care of the root system and stem. Often during the procedure the roots are damaged and the stem is pinched, which should not be allowed.
One of the mistakes novice gardeners make is watering tomatoes too much. Tomatoes in waterlogged soil can become sick and die. For example, excess moisture provokes the development of blackleg disease.
You cannot feed tomatoes immediately after picking; the procedure will be required after 9-15 days.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it permissible to refuse to pick tomatoes?
Yes, if you initially plant tomatoes in individual deep containers to stimulate a powerful root system, then gardeners skip the picking stage. However, the process of picking tomatoes itself allows you to stimulate active growth and achieve a rich harvest of tomatoes.
Typically, seeds are planted in separate containers if you plan to plant several dozen plants. When sowing tomatoes on a large scale, choose one container to start with.
What to do during the procedure with weak specimens?
In the process of picking tomatoes, sickly and weak specimens are removed, sorted from healthy plants. They will not bear a harvest.
Is it permissible to pick tomatoes during the waning moon?
Although it is believed that it is better to pick tomatoes during the waxing Moon, however, if the time falls on the waning Moon, then the plant should be picked to prevent overgrowth.
Do seedlings need to be prepared for the upcoming procedure?
As when transplanting to a permanent place, and before picking tomatoes, it is imperative to prepare the plant. During the day, water the seedlings abundantly, due to which the soil will be deeply saturated and become soft. This will allow you to remove the tomatoes without damaging the roots. The soil into which you plant the tomato must be fertilized and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
How to prevent tomatoes from stretching?
Provide proper care - illuminate the plant with special lamps and spray it with growth regulators.
They say it is better to replant seedlings as early as possible. This is true?
This is not entirely true. Early seedlings, which have just opened their cotyledons, have fragile stems and a small root. Early picking will lead to the death of the tomato.
