Far too often the importance of this measure is underestimated and the larger the seedlings get, the more the negative effects become apparent. If you don't prick, you risk stunting growth. The plants cannot develop vigorously enough, so the harvest suffers.
When should you prick seedlings?
The right time to prick out is when the seedlings have developed the first pair of leaves and the stem has achieved sufficient stability. This can vary between seven and ten days depending on the plant species and growing conditions.
Wait for the right moment
When the right time comes depends on the species. Each seed takes a different amount of time until it sprouts and develops the first cotyledons. The subsequent growth rate depends on the environmental conditions. For some varieties it is time after just seven to ten days. Every gardener seems to follow their own rules when singling. Ideally, seedlings are separated when they have developed the first pair of leaves and the stem has achieved sufficient stability.
Advantages of separating:
- Young plants receive even light
- Roots develop without competitive pressure
- Seedlings develop stronger
Choose the right soil
From now on, the young plants need a little more nutrients, although a substrate that is too nutrient-rich leads to root burns. Mix a potting mix of garden or potting soil, sand and some compost and fill it into the small plant pots (€8.00 on Amazon).
Which plant pots are suitable?
The material plays a subordinate role. You can use various plastic containers, which provide your culture with enough opportunity to grow he althily. The majority of all vegetables thrive ideally in pots with a diameter of between eight and twelve centimeters. Larger planters are recommended for plants such as pumpkins or wild tomatoes, which reach a considerable size within a short period of time.
Introducing seedlings
Make sure that the main root sits vertically in the planting hole and does not bend upwards. If this is the case, shorten the long roots to about two centimeters. Otherwise, the plant will suffer from stunted growth, which will affect subsequent harvest yields.
Place the young plants a little deeper in the soil. With peppers and tomatoes, this measure is carried out deliberately so that the stem develops additional roots directly above the root neck. Close the hole and gently press the plant into place. Subsequent watering with a flower sprayer clogs open spaces in the substrate.
