You rejoice at the first green shoots, and a week later they wither and fall? It is not the disease that is to blame, but your care.
Most gardeners water their seedlings too much, thinking that this will make them grow faster.
How do you water your seedlings?
In fact, the roots suffocate without oxygen. The rule is simple: water only when the top layer of soil dries out.
And instead of water, use snow that has accumulated on the balcony.
Melt it, warm it up to room temperature - melt water contains microelements that are not found in tap water.
But that's not all. If the leaves turn yellow, it's not a lack of fertilizers that's to blame, but bright light. Shade the seedlings with newspaper for 2-3 days, and they'll recover.
Did you know that yogurt cups kill seedlings?
Transparent walls let in light, which damages the roots. Wrap them in foil or transplant them into opaque containers.
And never put seedlings on a cold windowsill! Put trays with foam underneath - it will keep the heat.
And the last secret: to prevent the stems from stretching, brush them with a soft brush 2-3 times a day. The movement imitates the wind, and the plants become stronger.
Why are tomato seedlings often covered with white spots?
This is not a disease, but sunburn. Drops of water on the leaves work like lenses. Water only at the root and in the morning so that the moisture has time to evaporate.
And if white mold appears on the soil, sprinkle it with crushed activated carbon - it will absorb excess moisture and stop the fungus.
Another common mistake is dense sowing.
Seeds planted close together compete for light and nutrition. Thin out the seedlings as soon as the first leaves appear. But don't pull them out! Cut them off with scissors at the ground so as not to damage the neighboring roots.
For peppers and eggplants, use the "pinch and pick" method.
When the plant has 2-3 true leaves, transplant it into a separate cup, shortening the central root by a third. This will stimulate the growth of lateral roots.
What to do if the seedlings have stopped growing?
The reason may be a lack of carbon dioxide. Place a jar of water with a pinch of soda and citric acid dissolved in it nearby - the reaction will release CO₂.
Or simply ventilate the room more often. But avoid drafts! They are destructive for tender sprouts.
And finally
Never feed seedlings before picking. The first 3-4 weeks they have enough nutrients from the soil.
Give the first feeding a week after transplanting - with a weak solution of mullein (1:20) or green fertilizer from nettle.
Pour water over the nettles, let them ferment for 10 days, then dilute 1:10 and water. Nitrogen will invigorate the plants, and they will start growing.
