Picking seedlings helps reduce plant stress during transplantation, ensure their better development and increase yields.
However, to achieve success, it is necessary to follow certain rules and take into account the characteristics of peppers as a crop.
Picking is done when two or three true leaves appear on the seedlings. This is the optimal moment, since the root system is still quite compact and easily tolerates transplantation.
Before starting the procedure, the seedlings are watered generously to minimize damage to the roots.
The preparation of containers also plays an important role: it is best to use individual cups or special cassettes filled with fertile soil mixture.
The correct soil composition contributes to successful picking. It is important that the substrate is light, moisture-absorbing and rich in nutrients.
A mixture of garden soil, peat and sand is often used, adding wood ash as a source of potassium. The soil and air temperature should be consistently warm so that young plants adapt faster.
For successful picking, it is necessary to follow a step-by-step algorithm. First, the plant is carefully removed from the common container, while avoiding damage to the main root.
Rooting is done in a previously prepared hole, and it is important to ensure that the root is positioned vertically and does not bend.
After transplanting, the soil around the plant is slightly compacted and watered with warm water. Some gardeners recommend using growth stimulants to speed up adaptation. Lighting in the first days after picking should be moderate to avoid overheating and dehydration.
After transplantation, plants need special care. It is important to control the soil moisture: it should be moderate, without drying out or excessive moisture.
Fertilizers are applied 7-10 days after picking, using fertilizers with a predominance of phosphorus and potassium to strengthen the roots.
Regular ventilation of the room prevents the occurrence of fungal diseases, but drafts should be avoided.
A gradual increase in illumination will help the plants adapt to natural conditions. It is also recommended to conduct hardening, starting with a few minutes in the fresh air and gradually increasing the time.
Often, novice gardeners make mistakes that can lead to slow growth or death of plants.
One of the main ones is improper handling of the root system: it should not be over-dried or overly damaged.
Another common problem is using unsuitable soil that lacks essential nutrients.
Watering errors, such as overwatering, also have a negative effect on seedlings. Finally, picking too early or too late can disrupt plant development, so it is important to consider the optimal timing and carefully monitor the condition of the seedlings.
Picking pepper seedlings improves the quality and stability of plants if you follow the basic rules and avoid mistakes. As a result, the plants become stronger, and their yield increases significantly.
