In addition to fertilizing and watering seedlings, one of the mandatory plant care procedures is hardening.
Tomatoes are heat-loving crops and require adaptation to the climate. Therefore, before moving to the dacha and especially before planting in the ground, seedlings are hardened.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to properly harden tomato seedlings.
Why do this?
Even varieties adapted to our weather conditions need hardening. After a comfortable apartment, they will be faced with cold wind, rain, and nighttime temperature changes outside.
Because of this, seedlings can become sick and die.
When to start hardening
General recommendation: 10-12 days before planting in beds or greenhouses.
But, ideally, summer residents should begin hardening off the seeds while preparing them for sowing.
As for seedlings, start small - first, lower the overall temperature in the room by opening the windows, but not where the seedlings are.
It is important to remember that plants also need to be prepared for sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
The seedlings are exposed to direct sunlight for no more than 15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the rate.
When the weather settles and allows for transplantation, by this time the seedlings should be ready to be taken out onto the balcony for 2-3 days.
The air temperature during hardening should be 15-20 degrees during the day, and not lower than 8-10 degrees at night.
Harden the roots
Having lowered the air temperature, do not forget to reduce watering. Growth will slow down a little, but the roots will develop better. The main thing is not to overdry the soil.
Earlier we told you what to do if the leaves of your seedlings are curling .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
