It happens that seedlings sprout, gain strength, but then it is as if they were jinxed. The plants wither and die on the vine.
It's not so scary to buy a new package of seeds. It's a shame that precious time was lost, but it was possible to avoid such consequences.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, explained why seedlings die on the windowsill.
Summer residents do not pay attention to the soil temperature and the air temperature on the windowsill.
An important point
For tomato seeds to germinate, the soil must warm up to 23-25 degrees Celsius.
Pepper seeds will require warmer soil - 25-30 degrees, and eggplants from 23 to 27 degrees.
The seeds will germinate in less comfortable conditions, but then the gardener must be prepared for such consequences as:
- uneven germination;
- weak seedlings;
- stretching shoots;
- overgrown seedlings.
The worst thing is that when growing heat-loving crops in unsuitable conditions, pathogenic microorganisms develop in the soil.
If the seedlings grow weak, then you can expect the appearance of “black leg”.
How to measure temperature
To find out how comfortable the conditions are on the windowsill, you need to measure the air temperature on the coldest and windiest day.
If the thermometer rises no higher than 15 degrees, you can be sure that the soil is overcooled, which means that it will not be possible to grow strong seedlings.
Earlier we told you what can be sown in February 2024.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
