Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in the garden because they are versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Growing tomatoes from seedlings is a great way to provide your family with an environmentally friendly harvest, but at the beginning of the season, it is important to know when to transplant seedlings into the garden.
The right time
Tomato seedlings should be transplanted into the garden bed when the danger of frost has passed and stable warmth has set in.
The ideal temperature for transplanting is about +18-20 degrees. Depending on the location, this can be the period from mid-spring to early summer.
Seedling size
Before transplanting to the garden bed, the seedlings should grow at least 10 cm and have a strong stem. If the seedlings are too small or weak, they may not survive the transplant process.
Hardening
Before transplanting, it is important to gradually acclimate the seedlings to open ground conditions. This process is known as "hardening off".
You can start by putting the seedlings outside for a few hours each day, gradually extending the period of time spent outdoors. Do this for a week.
Preparing the garden bed
Before transplanting seedlings, it is necessary to prepare the bed. This includes adding compost or other organic matter to the soil and ensuring that the soil is structured.
Transfer
To do this, you need to dig a hole in the garden bed that is slightly deeper than the root ball of the seedling.
Carefully remove the seedling from the container and place it in the hole, making sure to bury the stem to the first true leaf. This will help the plant develop a strong root system.
Watering seedlings
After transplanting, it is important to water the seedlings thoroughly. Then, it is worth keeping the soil moist throughout the growing season. But it is better to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Installation of supports
As the plants grow, they need support to keep them upright. Wooden or steel stakes can be used for this purpose.
