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Why seedlings wilt – not only because of disease: five reasons given to gardeners
14.03.2024 22:34
It is believed that plants wilt because they lack moisture. This is the first thing that may come to mind for a beginner.
But when it comes to seedlings, the soil under which is sufficiently well moistened, it becomes clear that a mistake has been made somewhere.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, explained why seedlings wither.
First, over-watering
This is the most harmless thing that can happen. Plants fall off because the roots are almost suffocated in the over-moistened soil.
First the shoots turn pale, then they weaken, then they begin to rot and fall off.
Secondly, solid ground
This can lead to moisture stagnation, which again causes difficulties with the supply of oxygen to the roots.
It is necessary to add perlite or vermiculite, sand or peat, humus, biohumus and other additives that make the soil looser.
Thirdly, lack of light
Due to lack of light, plants first stretch out, and then weaken and fall off.
If the gardener did not take action in time and did not turn on the backlight, then the seedlings cannot be saved.
Fourth, temperature
At night, the air temperature on the windowsill can drop to 12 degrees Celsius. During the day, it can stay no higher than +18.
This is not enough for heat-loving crops - their roots stop developing, the stem becomes thinner, the seedlings wither and weaken.
Fifth, black leg
A fungal disease that manifests itself by damage to the base of the stem. It can be caused by overwatering, dense planting, poor lighting and temperature changes.
Earlier we told you which seedlings should not be placed on the windowsill .
