How to feed tomato seedlings so that there are plump stems and how to do it right

The key to obtaining a bountiful harvest of tomatoes is competent and timely feeding of seedlings. Thanks to the use of fertilizers according to special schemes, the stems will become more powerful, which in the future will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the fruit.

How to feed tomato seedlings so that the stems are plump, we will tell in the article.

Why do tomato seedlings need feeding

Feed seedlings necessary for strong and healthy shrubs.

Competent feeding guarantees:

• correct formation of the bush;
• thick and strong stems;
• increased productivity;
• strengthening plant immunity to diseases.

When to start fertilizing seedlings

For the first time to feeding tomato seedlings resort to the appearance of the first true leaves on the seedlings. The procedure will protect plants from diseases: without it, the risk of late blight is high.

The second top dressing using a complex fertilizer with organic substances is carried out 7 days after the first.

The next time the seedlings are fed 14 days after the pick was carried out. After that, fertilizers can be applied after 10-20 days.

The last feeding is carried out 10 days before the plants are transplanted to the garden.

The further number of fertilization procedures is determined by the conditions for the growth of seedlings in the garden. It must be fed at least twice:

• at the stage of bush formation, 2-3 weeks after planting in open ground or a greenhouse;
• 14 days after the first.

Signs of nutritional deficiencies

Seedlings need additional feeding when signs of nutrient deficiency appear. To determine what fertilizers the seedlings need, examine the condition of the stems and leaves.

The lack of nitrogen is indicated by the pale coloration of the plants, yellowing of the lower leaves. Nitrogen is essential for the normal development and growth of the tomato bush. However, its overabundance also harms the seedlings - leads to curling and fragility of the leaves.

Lack of phosphorus is determined by the purple-colored leaves. First, the color of the lower leaves of the bush changes. The problem is often provoked by a low ambient temperature: in cold conditions, the roots of tomatoes do not absorb phosphorus.

The fact that plants lack potassium is evidenced by the curling and wrinkling of the upper leaves. If you do not apply top dressing in time, the problem will spread to the entire bush, the leaves will begin to darken and dry.

Iron deficiency symptom - yellowing of the upper leaves... Plants planted in a sunny area are susceptible to the problem. Intense sunlight interferes with the processing and absorption of nutrients.

The lack of magnesium is judged by the darkened lower leaves, which acquire a reddish or purple hue.

Calcium deficiency is uncommon. In fertilizers for tomato seedlings, this component is contained in large quantities. It is not enough if the tops of the set fruits are covered with brown or gray rot.

Reference. The problem of thin, weakened stems is often triggered by a lack of sunlight.In such cases, the plants are strongly elongated.

Review of the best purchased food for tomato seedlings

Gardeners prefer liquid fertilizers, which are applied in the morning for better assimilation. Let's talk about the most popular preparations for feeding tomato seedlings.

"Krepysh"

Complex mineral and organic fertilizer containing potassium humate. Contains nitrogen and phosphorus necessary for the growth and development of a young plant.

"Krepysh" is produced in soluble granules or in the form of a concentrated liquid. The tool is diluted with water, the seedlings are watered with the resulting solution.

The use of the drug has a beneficial effect on the root system, helps the seedlings to grow green mass, make the stems thicker, and strengthen the immune system. "Krepysh" does not contain chlorine, therefore it is harmless to plants.

"Zdraven"

This fertilizer for tomato seedlings is rich in nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, boron.

The preparation contains no chlorine. The product is dissolved in water. The solution is used for watering seedlings or for foliar feeding. Plants become stronger, and fruits - juicier and tastier.

"Athlete"

Growth regulator. The drug contributes to the correct distribution of nutrients - directs most of them to the roots. This has a beneficial effect on the condition of the bush: the stems become stronger and thicker, and the leaves become wider.

The tool is used when there is a lack of light, as well as during periods of drought. "Athlete" is diluted with water and sprayed with plants. It is possible to apply the agent to the soil.

"Immunocytophyte"

Natural preparation - seedling growth stimulant. It is used for poorly growing tomato bushes. It not only stimulates the development of plants, but also protects them from diseases and pests.

"Nitrofoska"

A popular compound fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, is well absorbed by plants. It is used to increase yields, to achieve the correct formation of tomato bushes.

The product is used in combination with mullein solution. At 1 st. l. "Nitrofoski" take 1 liter of an aqueous solution.

Important. It is impossible to overfeed tomato seedlings, since the fruits tend to accumulate excess mineral fertilizers.

Folk remedies

An alternative to purchased drugs is folk remedies for feeding seedlings.

Ash

Feed acidified and neutral soils with ash. Make an aqueous solution, pouring 1 tbsp. l. ash 2 liters of boiling water, insist it. Can be combined with organic blends to enhance their effectiveness.

Iodine

For feeding use iodine solution - 10 drops in a bucket of water. It will speed up the formation of fruits.

Important. The product is watered on the ground, not the plants.

Chicken droppings

To feed the seedlings, litter diluted with water in a ratio of 1:30 is used.

Hydrogen peroxide

1 tbsp. l. hydrogen peroxide is diluted in a bucket of water, 40 drops of iodine are added and the seedlings are sprayed to protect against late blight.

A solution of 30 drops of peroxide in 250 ml of water is used to:

• disinfection of damage to plants;
• prevention of root decay;
• oxygen enrichment;
• strengthening immunity;
• destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Onion peel

For disinfection and protection from pests, an infusion of onion peels is used. To get it, dry raw materials are poured into 4 liters of water, insisted for 5 days.

Banana skins

To fight the lack of potassium in plants, you can infusion on banana peels. The peel of 4 bananas is poured over 3 liters of water with water, insisted for 7 days.

Other recipes

You can feed tomato seedlings yeast... 1 tbsp. l. yeast is dissolved in a glass of warm water, add 1 tsp. Sahara. Pour a packet of yeast into the resulting mixture and add 15 liters of water.

To solve the problem of thin stems, water infused with eggshells is used. The shells of five eggs crushed into powder are poured into 1 liter of water and insisted for 7 days.

Some gardeners practice feeding seedlings with coffee grounds diluted with water.

How to properly fertilize seedlings

There are two ways to apply seedlings for feeding:

• root - watering the bushes under the root with nutrient solutions;
• leafy (foliar) - by spraying the leaves.

Foliar dressing is often used as an additional procedure. It is best carried out during a cold snap, when the root system of tomatoes does not absorb nutrients well.

Foliar dressing is also used when it is necessary to add nutrition to young plants. The sprout stems are thin and root watering can knock the seedlings out or wash them out of the soil. Spraying is carried out using a spray bottle. The manipulation is repeated once a week.

Fertilizing seedlings, adhere to the rules:

• feeding tomato seedlings is carried out in cloudy weather, in the morning or in the evening;
• before and after feeding, water the bushes with clean water;
• strictly adhere to the norms for the introduction of drugs specified in the instructions.

Tips & Tricks

Experienced gardeners give tips and advice on feeding tomatoes:

1. To carry out not only mandatory, but also preventive feeding. Special formulations will protect plants from rot and fungi. For prophylactic purposes, seedlings can be sprayed with a solution of calcium nitrate - 2 tsp on a bucket of water. substances.
2. Perform root feeding of the plant after watering. In moist soil, nutrients dissolve faster.
3. Combine root and foliar feeding. This method gives impressive results. Fruits are formed thick and firm, the yield is increased. Spraying seedlings with nutrient compounds protects bushes from pests and diseases.

Reviews

The use of dressings when growing tomato seedlings is the most important condition for a high yield. According to gardeners, the use of fertilizers for seedlings always brings a positive result.

Evgeny, Krasnoyarsk: «I feed tomato seedlings every two weeks. For this I buy complex fertilizers "Nitrofos", "Azofos", "Nitroammophos". For 3 liters of water I take 1 tsp. substances. The resulting solution is stored for up to 5 days. The seedlings grow with thick stems and are immune to disease. "

Nadezhda, Kolomna: "I spray tomato seedlings in the stage of 2-4 leaves with calcium nitrate. This protects against crop losses - there is no rot problem. Pale and thin sprouts come back to normal after processing. "

Ilya, Rostov-on-Don: “My mom uses Krepysh fertilizer. The harvest of tomatoes is always happy. Seedlings are strong, do not get sick. One package is enough for use in the garden and for indoor plants. It is important to use gloves when using the product. "

Conclusion

Top dressing of tomato seedlings is an important component of plant care. To get a good harvest, it is important to spend it on time and not harm the tomato bushes. Experienced gardeners are advised to carry out not only mandatory feeding, but also additional ones - to prevent diseases and protect against pest attacks.